Underneath the hidden path beneath the mountainous expressway, a cluster of pure white  ‘鉄線’ (Tessen)  blossoms. It is unclear whether these Tessens are wild or planted by someone. However, the name ‘鉄線’ (Tessen) was given to these flowers, which seems rather insensitive. Originally, Tessen is considered one of the original species of Clematis and has a history of being brought to Japan from China during the Muromachi period. As a result, it has been popular as a beloved flower in Japan since ancient times. The name ‘鉄線’ (Tessen) was given due to the way its tendrils become as rigid as iron. Tessen blooms from spring to early summer, with its best viewing season being around May to June. It delights viewers with its beautiful petals in shades of blue-purple, purple, white, and various other colors. On the other hand, Clematis blooms slightly later than Tessen, and there are varieties that continue to bloom until around October.

山間を抜ける高速道路下の隠れ道に真っ白な鉄線が群咲いています。野生の鉄線なのか誰かが植えたものなのか知る由もありません。しかし、鉄線とは無粋な名前を付けたものです。鉄線は元々クレマチスの原種の一つだとされていて、日本原産のカザグルマと近縁で、室町時代には日本に中国から渡来した歴史を持っているそうです。このため日本では、昔から親しまれている花として人気を集めています、。「鉄線」という名前は、ツルが鉄のように固くなる様子から付けられました。鉄線は春から初夏にかけて花を咲かせます。5～6月頃が見頃の季節で、青紫や紫、白、複色などのきれいな花びらで見る人を楽しませてくれますよ。一方クレマチスは、鉄線より少し遅れて咲き始め、10月頃まで花を咲かせる品種もあります。