In mixed woods before the iris pond south of Palaceside Building in the East Gardens, clematis (sennin-so) blooms white cross-shaped flowers on thin vines — sometimes draping low trees like a veil. White feathery tails on fruit resemble an immortal's beard — hence the name.
Also "horse won't eat" and "cow tooth loss" — toxic leaves; cows grazing with pasture may lose teeth. Strong enough to blister skin — also called poison kazura or rash grass. Crushed leaves on the inner wrist were said to ease tonsillitis — "turn poison to medicine," but amateurs must not try.
Yet its flower language is "safety," "well-being," "overflowing goodwill," "beautiful heart" — rare mismatch with its nicknames.