Sweet Autumn Clematis (Clematis terniflora)

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Sweet Autumn Clematis (Clematis terniflora)

An aggressive crawling and climbing woody vine that can quickly spread over trees, shrubs and other vegetation.

• Leaves are 2–3 inches long with smooth margins and are ovate to heart-shaped. They are dark green, shiny and have a leathery texture.

• Flowers are white, fragrant and showy with four petals, measuring about 1 inch across. Blooms appear from late summer through early fall.

• Commonly found in home landscapes where it was planted as an ornamental, as well as along roadsides and the edges of fields, forests and streams. It prefers full sun to partial shade.

This invasive vine is still commonly sold for home landscapes despite many suitable native and non-invasive alternatives. One common look-alike is the native Virgin's-bower (*Clematis virginiana*), which is often mistaken for Sweet Autumn Clematis.

Early identification and management can help protect Alabama's forests and natural areas.