Clematis virginiana aka Devil's Darning Needles

Clematis virginiana is a woody vine in the buttercup family. Its common names include virgin's-bower and woodbine. It grows wild in central and eastern Canada and the United States. It grows in damp woods and thickets near streams and ponds. This perennial sheds its leaves each year. In gardens, it reaches 15–20 feet (4.6–6.1 metres) tall. Its spread is 3–6 feet (0.9–1.83 metres). Without support, it spreads across the ground in dense tangles.

The vine climbs by wrapping its leaf stalks around supports. Green leaves have three to five oval, toothed leaflets. Fine hairs grow along the veins beneath each leaf. Young stems are hairy, green to purple, and round to somewhat square. Older twigs turn reddish brown and develop ridges. Young bark is smooth and light brown. With age, it splits and peels in long strips.

Small, scented white flowers grow in clusters at the leaf axils. Each flower measures about 1.25 inches across. Bloom can run from July through October, depending on location. Male and female flowers grow on separate plants. Female plants form brown achenes with long, feathery tails. These seed heads appear from late summer through fall. They can stay on the vine well into winter. Flowers draw bees and hummingbirds. Chicago Botanic Garden also lists birds and butterflies among its visitors.

Give this vine rich, moist soil that drains well. It grows in sun or partial shade and also flowers in deeper shade. Chicago Botanic Garden lists USDA hardiness zones 4–8. Flowers form on the current year's growth. Cut stems back hard from late fall to early spring. Leave healthy buds on the stems that remain. Its fast growth needs enough nutrients through the growing season. Use it on fences, posts, arbors, or trellises in native and woodland gardens. It also provides cover for a screen. Watch growth through shrubs, since it can smother them.

The vine needs little routine care but can spread too far. Both seedlings and suckers can add unwanted growth. Clematis wilt, mildew, leaf spots, rust, and viruses may affect it. Pests include aphids, vine weevils, scale, earwigs, and spider mites. Slugs and snails may also cause trouble. Deer damage it less often than some other plants. It is poisonous to people, dogs, cats, and horses. Eating it can injure the mouth and cause other serious symptoms. Sap contact can irritate skin; wear gloves when handling it. Recorded Indigenous medicinal uses do not establish safe use or edibility.