I can't see any stipules on the photos on the website Lori, there are the remains of twisted petioles. I doubt a young plant would behave in the same way as a mature one.

JRsbugs said:
Are you sure you haven't got that the wrong way around for Actaea Rick?

https://gobotany.newenglandwil...

I don't think so...
from the site you give:

Huh! The photos tell a different story Rick!

JRsbugs said:Huh! The photos tell a different story Rick!

Sometimes it's difficult to tell which are are petioles and which are actually stems. If you look at where the flower peduncle arises from, it can get very confusing!

Which goes to show I should have read what it said underneath! The photos from above appear to show opposite leaves, but those which appear to be must have been part of the extended leaf petiole!

I can see the single petiole coming off the main stem in the last photo ..

oh the plant tag that is there.. is from plants that didn't make it.. years past.. just never removed them

believe it says iris jumping

I see what you mean, and this is true in most cases with bipinnate leaf structures, like Kentucky Coffee trees, for instance. But Actaea is far more confusing....

Any "normal" person would say this plant is opposite leafed from this pic below, but look again....
See where the peduncle (floral stem) junctures? A real stem has to extend at least to there. So this "single" stem could actually be a multi-stem structure. Not sure, though. It could just be one stem - the central portion (that everyone would call the stem) that terminates where the peduncle originates.

Likewise, the floral stem does not arise from the "central stem" in your copied pic above either, but originates in a similar manner.

It's pretty clear that Mother nature doesn't follow man-made rules!

I'm going to suggest someting in the clematis heracleifolia group. I have Alan Bloom and the leaves and stems really look like your plant. And this variety does spread seeds.

so it's a keeper?

If that's truly what it is, in my opinion yes -- but you need to know it gets very large (like 4' x 5'), and it does spread and reseed. Personally I have had more issues with it spreading out than reseeding. Seems like it will just keep going and going if you let it. I don't mind because I think it's gorgeous, and bees and butterflies love it. It also looks somewhat like Mrs. Robert Brydon which is a pillar clematis. I have included a photo of that also. The leaves and stems look very similar.

ooohhh don't beat me up.. please.. could it be clem stans??

http://www.anniesannuals.com/s...

I did get that in a swap last year.. you jogged my memory I think

By George, I think you've got it. At least I was in the right genus for once.

you guys are the greatest!!!.. had to go dig through the old thread on DG to find it.. but at least I can move / tag it now.. thank you!!!

I love IDs with a happy ending.

me too.. thanks for all your help and brain power to wake my brain up

Reminded me of this, but on closer look....