Help with plant identification?

[MPutnam]

I went out to get some leaves together for this Beltaine's Green Man mask and came across an rather peculiar vine. It is just loosely on the ground, not climbing or affixed to anything, it has oak shaped leaves but, unlike poison oak, it does not end in a trifolate pattern, rather the leaves are arranged side by side up the vine exactly opposite of one another.

If it helps I live in middle Georgia, US and this was found near a swampy area. Any leads would be greatly appreciated

[Jake]

Hi Michael,

The first thought I had when hearing "plant with oak-shaped leaves growing in Georgia" is Oakleaf hydrangea. But, although it's hard to tell from the picture, those leaves don't look right (hydrangea leaves would be serrated and white on the underside). And of course hydrangea is not a vine.

My best guess, could be way off, is Japanese honeysuckle. It's invasive, grows all over the place in the south, and sometimes has oak-shaped leaves. Here's a picture that somewhat resembles your vine: http://www.duke.edu/~cwcook/trees/loja40264.jpg

Could that be it?

[MPutnam]

Thank you, Jake!
That looks just like it. It makes since too since there is more honeysuckle growing about a yard away.
This is too cool, I'll be happy to have that adorn my mask!
Thank you again!

[Jake]

My pleasure! Happy you were able to identify it.

Of course now you know we're going to have to see a picture of that mask when it's done!

[MPutnam]

Here's the nearly finished mask, I still plan to go over the white bits of the mask with some green and brown paint and I will be adding an ivy crown to it just before Beltaine proper.

Btw, I would suggest the ivy crown to anyone of Cymric background as it is a nod to Prince Llywelyn, our last leader.

[Jake]

Very cool.

[MPutnam]

Why thank you, sir!

Now, if you'll excuse me I need to begin preparations for the holiday

[Roost]

Like the mask But wouldn't a crown of ivy be more of a nod to the mockery made by the English of Llewellyn's severed head than to Llewellyn himself?

[MPutnam]

Ahh but would a mock of a mockery be simply a sign of respect?
Besides, the myth is that the Llywellyn would be crowned in London and, even if he was killed before it happened, the British tyrant made this come true

[Roost]

Fair point Although I thought the legend was a Welsh king crowned in London rather than Llewellyn himself? I always figured the legend came true with the crowning of Henry Tudor. Not that it's got anything to do with plant ID so I'll shut up now and go away and ponder lol

[Huathe]

I have not seen that oak-leaved honeysuckle here in the NC mountains though honeysuckle is common. I'll keep my eye out!