Overview AppearanceClematis vitalba is a perennial, rapidly growing woody vine that can grow up to 100 ft. (30.5 m) long and completely blanket surrounding vegetation. It can be evergreen in some climates. Stems are woody in appearance. It is native to Europe and west Asia.FoliageLeaves are compound, opposite and are usually arranged with five leaflets.FlowersFlowers are white in color and are arranged in clusters in the upper leaf axils. The blooming period occurs in summer.FruitSeeds have long feathery tails which ripen in fall and are easily noticeable in early winter after leaves have fallen off the trees.Ecological ThreatC. vitalba is found along streams, fence lines, forest edges, and hillsides. Be aware, C. vitalba is often confused with English Ivy, but in colder winters, C. vitalba looses its leaves whereas Ivy does not.