Stems climbing, 2–3(–5) m, the lower part persistent and becoming woody; lvs mostly trifoliolate (uppermost sometimes simple), the lfls 2–10 cm, ovate to subcordate, acuminate, usually coarsely mucronate-toothed, glabrous or sparsely (seldom more copiously) hairy beneath; mostly polygamo-dioecious; panicles many, on axillary peduncles mostly 2–6 cm; sep white, oval to oblong-spatulate, 10–15 mm, hairy at least on the back; achenes many in a subglobose head, 4 mm, pubescent, light to dark brown or greenish-brown; mature style flexuous, strongly plumose, 2–4 cm; 2n=16. Moist soil; N.S. and e. Que. to Man., s. to Ga. and La. July–Sept.