Plant Description
Perennial vine that grows from the crown along stream banks. Clings to rocks and other plants by twisting leaf stems. Forms slender coiling branches that die back but the first 3 to 15 feet can persist for many years. Stems may be as long as 65 feet.
Habitat
Forest edges, woods, riparian deciduous woodlands, moist wooded draws, scrub, secondary sites derived from these, or clearings and pastures, usually near streams or on moist slopes.
Leaves
Highly variable with differences in leaflets shape and size averaging between 1-1/2 to 3-1/2 inches in length. Pinnately compound with 5 to 7 toothed or 3 lobed leaflets. Smooth or slightly hairy. Lanceolate, oblong or ovate. Tips are pointed.
Flowers
Star-like flowers to 1 inch wide with 4 sepals that look like petals. Has numerous white stamens. Male and female flowers are formed in clusters on separate plants.
Fruit
Female flowers develop into fluffy white achene plumes to 2 inches in length appearing as a fuzzy ball.