Sweet Autumn Clematis, Japanese Clematis, Terneflora Clematis
Kingdom: Plantae, Division: Tracheophyta, Class: Magnoliopsida, Order: Ranunculales, Family: Ranunculaceae, Genus: Clematis, Species: Clematis terniflora · Ranunculaceae (Buttercup or Crowfoot family) · Compound (pinnate), typically with 3 to 5 leaflets; Deciduous to semi-evergreen depending on climate.
Species
Clematis terniflora (Confidence: High)
Leaf Type
Compound (pinnate), typically with 3 to 5 leaflets; Deciduous to semi-evergreen depending on climate.
Family
Ranunculaceae (Buttercup or Crowfoot family)
Shape
Ovate to narrowly cordate with an acute tip and rounded to heart-shaped base.
Size
Leaflets are approximately 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) long and 1-2 inches wide. This is typical for the species.
Margin
Entire (smooth); lacks the serration or deep lobes common in many other Clematis species.
Arrangement
Opposite arrangement on the vine stem; the compound leaves themselves are composed of leaflets on individual petioles.
Rarity
Very Common; frequently used in landscaping and widely naturalized as an escaped weed.
Color & Pattern
Medium to dark green on the upper surface, slightly paler beneath. Some leaves in the image show chlorotic (yellowish) mottling or sun-bleaching, and brown crisping at the tips.
Venation Pattern
Pinnate with 3 to 5 prominent veins radiating from near the base (sub-palmate appearance).
Texture & Surface
Smooth (glabrous) to slightly leathery (coriaceous). The stems and petioles show fine pubescence (tiny hairs).
Description
A vigorous, woody climbing vine known for its prolific late-summer bloom. The plant produces massed clusters of small, star-shaped, fragrant white flowers followed by feathery, silver-gray seed heads (achenes). It can grow up to 30 feet in a single season, carpeting structures or other plants.
Key Features
Opposite leaves, compound leaflets with entire margins (no teeth), and twisting petioles that allow the vine to climb by wrapping around supports.
Habitat
Thrives in full sun to partial shade; prefers moist, well-drained soils. Often found along forest edges, fence lines, and disturbed areas.
Geographic Range
Native to East Asia (China, Japan, Korea). It has been widely introduced and naturalized in the Eastern United States, where it is often considered invasive.
Condition Notes
Fair. Several leaves show signs of environmental stress or nutrient deficiency (mottled yellowing) and minor physical damage/necrosis at the margins. No significant pest infestation is visible.
Interesting Facts
The 'sweet' in its name refers to the intense, hawthorn-like fragrance of the blossoms in autumn. Unlike most Clematis that bloom in spring or early summer, this species waits until August or September.
Medicinal & Uses
Primarily used as an ornamental vine for quick coverage of trellises. Several Clematis species have been used in traditional Chinese medicine, but they contain irritating compounds that require specific processing.
Ecological Role
Provides late-season nectar for pollinators. However, it is an aggressive grower that can smother native vegetation, leading to its classification as an invasive species in several US states.
Similar Species
Clematis virginiana (Virgin's Bower) - distinguished by having coarsely toothed (serrated) leaf margins, whereas C. terniflora has entire margins.
Foraging Tips
Look for twin-leaved vines climbing over shrubs in late summer. In fall, the pungent fragrance is a primary field indicator. Do not forage for food, as the plant is not edible.
Toxicity Warning
Moderately Toxic. Contains protoanemonin, which can cause skin irritation (dermatitis) upon contact with crushed leaves and severe mouth/gastrointestinal distress if ingested by humans or pets.