Chinese clematis

Clematis chinensis is a semi-evergreen woody climbing vine in the Ranunculaceae, reaching 3 to 9 metres in length. The stems are slightly angled with fine longitudinal ridges and bear sparse short hairs when young that are shed with age. Leaves are opposite and pinnately compound, usually with five (occasionally three) ovate to ovate-lanceolate leaflets 3 to 7 cm long, each with a pointed tip, entire margin and three prominent veins; the foliage dries blackish. From late spring through summer the plant produces axillary and terminal paniculate cymes of fragrant white flowers, each composed of four (sometimes five) oblong-obovate, petal-like sepals that are downy outside and smooth within. The fruits are achenes bearing long, feathery, persistent styles. Native to China and East Asia, it grows on hillsides, in thickets and along forest margins. Like many clematis, the fresh plant contains the acrid irritant protoanemonin, which can blister skin and irritate mucous membranes.