Virgin's Bower

Clematis virginiana, virgin's bower, is a vigorous deciduous climber native from central and eastern Canada through the central and eastern United States, reaching fifteen to twenty feet. Masses of small white flowers smother the vine in late summer and autumn. Female plants then carry feathery silver seed heads that persist into winter and give it its other name, old man's beard. It climbs by twining leaf stalks rather than tendrils, so it needs something thin to grab — netting or wire rather than a smooth post. It is also dioecious, and only female plants produce the silvery seed heads that are half the reason to grow it. The sap blisters sensitive skin, so gloves are sensible when cutting it back.