Sweet autumn clematis (Clematis terniflora) features masses of small, cross-shaped, pure white, lightly fragrant flowers in late summer when grown in full sun or partial shade. The flowers are followed by billowing masses of silvery, silk-like seeds in late fall. This perennial is excellent for use as an informal vine or trained formally on arbors. It flowers on the current season's growth, so plants that get too large can be reduced in size in spring without decreasing flower production.

Sweet autumn clematis was introduced into the United States in 1877 and has been safely used as an ornamental until the last decade or so, when it began to appear on lists of plants that can reseed into roadsides and other natural habitats.