Eastern Forest Threat Center - Sweet Autumn Virginsbower

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Sweet autumn virginsbower

Sweet autumn virginsbower

Chris Evans, River to River CWMA, Bugwood.org

Sweet Autumn Virginsbower
Clematis terniflora

Sweet autumn virginsbower is native to China and Japan.

Keywords: Ranunculaceae, evergreen, deciduous, vine, climbing, twining, split bark, plumed seeds; Common names: leatherleaf clematis, yam-leaved clematis

Distribution Map Distribution Source Image

Threat Description

Sweet autumn virginsbower is an evergreen to deciduous climbing, twining vine in the buttercup family growing vigorously to 30 ft. with a main stem reaching a diameter of 4 in. Bark is initially smooth and light brown, later developing long splits with shredding long strips. Leaves are opposite, pinnately compound with 5 leaflets or trifoliate. Individual leaflets are cordate with entire margins. Fragrant white flowers with 4 sepals, 1 to 1ΒΌ in. across, are borne on branching panicles in late summer and early fall. Small dry brown seeds with a long white feathery plume are borne in thin dandelion-like heads that mature in the fall. Sweet autumn virginsbower reproduces by seeds and vegetatively. It is found in forests, open woodland gardens, and semi-shaded forest edge growing in light (sandy), medium (loamy), and heavy (clay) soils that are well-drained to moist. It will grow in acid, neutral, and basic (alkaline) soils but is tolerant of very alkaline soil. This vine prefers disturbed, moist area with taller supporting structures where it forms a dense tangle that can completely overtake supporting structures/plants, smother native vegetation, and compete for resources.