Hydrangea [Decumaria] barbara #2 (Wood Vamp)

Wood Vamp is a climbing vine native to the Southeastern US. Its leaves are lustrous, dark green ovals with a pointed tip. The brown, hairy stems are covered in aerial rootlets that work their way into the bark of trees, growing its way up into the canopy, eventually to a height of about 30′, where it stops. The vine can also be grown as a groundcover, wandering around the landscape in search of moist places, though it will only bloom if it is growing vertically. It is an excellent replacement for non-native, invasive English Ivy.

Wood Vamp blooms most profusely when grown in partial sun with afternoon shade. The flowers are white with a fluffy look, but they are not as flamboyant as other Hydrangea species because they lack the distinctive showy bracts. The bees go crazy over them, however, and you can hear that this vine is in bloom before you notice the delicious scent and flower clusters.

Sources:
Native Trees, Shrubs, & Vines by William Cullina
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
NC State Extension