This appears to be a wisteria, probably Wisteria sinensis (Chinese wisteria), which was introduced as an ornamental in 1816 and has since escaped cultivation and become an invasive throughout the Southeast and up the East Coast. This deciduous woody vine can grow to a height of 40 ft., with stems up to 10 in. (25.4 cm) in diameter. The vines twine in a counter clockwise direction around the host. In the spring the plant produces lavender-purple or white fragrant and abundant flowers in long, dangling clusters. Plants produce seeds in flattened, hairy, 6 in. (15.2 cm) long, bean-like pods. Wisteria sinensis can displace native vegetation and kill trees and shrubs by girdling them. The vine has the ability to change the structure of a forest by killing trees and altering the light availability to the forest floor.