Sweetautumn Clematis

(Clematis terniflora)

Ranunculaceae (Buttercup Family)

Clematis terniflora:  Sweetautumn Clematis

Location on/near campus:  on fences along alley south of campus that runs behind (on the north side) of the houses along Loren St.

·         leaves opposite, deciduous to semi-evergreen, pinnately compound with 3-5 dark green leaflets, sometimes with silvery mark on leaflets; leaves 2-4” long, lanceolate

·         rachis of leaf is tendril for clasping objects on which to climb

·         stems are slender, straw-colored with white pith

·         vine grows fast to 10-20’ in a growing season, but little lengthening of vine in succeeding years; often best if cut back annually or every other year to maintain dense growth & vigor

·         flowers are in axillary and terminal panicles, about1-1.5” across, white, very fragrant

·         flowers in late summer to early fall

·         feathery seed pods attractive after flowering

·         prefers moist, well-drained, fertile soils—can be weedy and invasive once established & will reseed, plus deep, fleshy roots hard to kill/remove