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Non-invasive Flowering Woody Vine ID #327989

Asked June 02, 2016, 2:59 PM EDT

  I have a vine, once growing on the two sides of a trellis, that I can't identify.   It's planted in full sun and grows up the trellis quickly, yet doesn't spread into the yard.  It bloomed small fragrant white flowers the first year we moved into our house, sometime near winter (not sure if it was late fall or early spring).  The plant was heavily overgrown when we moved in.  When we cut it back (leaving only about a foot of the woody stem) only one plant survived.  It has never flowered as a single plant over the last four years.  I believe the leaves are linear, untoothed, and palmately compound.  Each cluster grows 5-7 leaves, though I think more may grow as it matures (just cut it back 2 months ago so the pictures are of all new, recent growth).  The plant stays green year-round.  I have never found it in local garden/nursery shops.    I want to know what it is so I can plant one on the other side.  It's a fantastic, beautiful vine.  Please help.

Moore County North Carolina

Expert Response

It appears somilar to an Akebia vine, which normally has purple flowers, but there are white versions of it.  Does this appear to be similar?
http://depts.washington.edu/uwbg/news/tag/akebia-quinata-alba/
An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 03, 2016, 9:46 AM EDT
Thanks!  My vine is certainly similar, but the leaves on mine are more elongated and a darker shade of green.  It flowered the first year when we moved into this house (5 years ago).  Nothing else was flowering at that time and I want to say it was winter or late fall.  Over the last five years, my vine has never dropped it's leaves.  For the last four years we just had the one vine instead of two (lost one when we pruned it too harshly) and it doesn't flower on its own.  I cut the vine back a few months ago, but that's the first time in the last four years or so.  The wood on mine seems to be a lighter shade than that of the Akebia vine.
The Question Asker Replied June 03, 2016, 11:31 AM EDT
I have asked several experts, but as yet, we agree that, unless it is a specialized from of Akebia vine, we do not know what it is.  When it blooms next winter, please bring it to the Extension Office (707 Pinehurst Avenue, Carthage) for an id.
An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 10, 2016, 9:07 AM EDT

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