Knowledgebase

Please ID #396263

Asked April 27, 2017, 1:59 AM EDT

I have a mystery vine that's spreading in my woodland garden. I know it doesn't look like your typical image of poison ivy but the middle leaf has a longer stem than the other two. Also the leaves are finely lobed, but there are three of them. I need an id quick so that I can safely dispose of it before it starts to smother my plants. I can just pull it if it's harmless. I uploaded a pic and thanks so much in advance!

Fayette County Pennsylvania

Expert Response

The plant is a clematis, probably the native clematis, Virgin's Bower (Clematis virginiana). This native perennial vine grows over other vegetation in thickets and woods. The white flowers are small, delicate clusters that have a lovely scent which attracts many pollinators.  The vine may be trained to grow on a fence or trellis, but requires constant monitoring or it will wander. If you wish to remove it from your beds, it is important to get as much of the root as possible or it will reappear.

Here's a link to more info about Virgin's Bower:

http://www.westernpawildflowers.com/

Happy Gardening!

Barbara Murphy Replied April 28, 2017, 1:59 PM EDT
That's great news! So glad it's not a weird leaved poison ivy. Anyway I love native volunteers. I'm going to keep it and see what happens. Thanks for your time, much appreciated!
The Question Asker Replied April 28, 2017, 2:25 PM EDT
You're very welcome!  I'm happy that you have decided to keep it!

Happy Gardening!
Barbara Murphy Replied April 29, 2017, 7:06 PM EDT

Loading ...