Clematis terniflora aka Sweet Autumn Clematis

Clematis terniflora, also known as sweet autumn clematis or sweet autumn virginsbower, is a plant in the buttercup family, Ranunculaceae. Native to northeastern Asia, including China, Japan, Korea, Mongolia, Russia (Siberia), and Taiwan, it was introduced to the United States as an ornamental garden plant in the late 1800s. Since then, it has naturalized in many eastern states and is considered a Category II invasive plant in Florida and some other eastern states. This strong and vigorous deciduous climber can grow up to 6 meters tall or more. It has hairy stems that become semi-woody with age. The dark green leaves are divided into leaflets and carried on long leaf stalks. The plant produces large clusters of small fragrant, single, star-shaped, white flowers with cream anthers. These flowers, about 3cm across, bloom from late summer to autumn, creating a beautiful display. After flowering, attractive seedheads form. Sweet autumn clematis is a fast-growing vine that can reach lengths of 20-25 feet if given support. Its twining stems use tendrilous leaf petioles to climb. However, if left unsupported, it will sprawl along the ground and form a dense, tangled ground cover, often suppressing weeds. The plant blooms profusely from late August to October, covering the foliage with aromatic, pure white flowers. These flowers give way to plume-like seed heads. The compound leaves are leathery-textured, shiny green, and consist of 3-5 oval to elliptic leaflets with cordate bases. While sweet autumn clematis adds beauty to gardens, it can also be an aggressive self-seeder, potentially invading native plant communities. Its ability to naturalize and spread has led to its classification as an invasive plant in some areas.