Invasive Species
Clematis terniflora is a climbing, semi-evergreen, ornamental vine.
Photo by Chris Evans, University of Illinois, Bugwood.org
- Foliage – The leaves are opposite, compound (with 3-5 leaflets), and the margins are entire.
- Leaflets are each 2-3 in. (5-7.6 cm) long.
- FlowersWhite, fragrant, four-petaled flowers appear in the late summer through the fall.
- Fruit Seeds are also showy and production is prolific. Seed heads have long, silvery-gray, feather-like hairs attached.
- Ecological Threat – The native species (C. virginiana) is very similar (margins of leaves of the native tend to be toothed), but not as prone to self-seeding and spreading. Clematis terniflora prefers sun to partial shade and is found invading forest edges, rights of ways and urban green space especially near creeks.
- It is native to Japan and China and was introduced into the United States as an ornamental plant.
Photo by Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut, Bugwood.org
