AppearanceClematis terniflora is a climbing, semi-evergreen, ornamental vine. Foliage The leaves are opposite, compound (with 3-5 leaflets), and the margins are entire. Leaflets are each 2-3 in. (5-7.6 cm) long.Flowers White, fragrant, four-petaled flowers appear in the late summer through the fall. Fruit Seeds are also showy and production is prolific. Seed heads have long, silvery-gray, feather-like hairs attached. Ecological Threat The native species (C. virginiana) is very similar (margins of leaves of the native tend to be toothed), but not as prone to self-seeding and spreading. Clematis terniflora prefers sun to partial shade and is found invading forest edges, rights of ways and urban green space especially near creeks. It is native to Japan and China and was introduced into the United States as an ornamental plant.