I was digging up some winter creeper and found hard, round, half dollar sized ball like growths attached to the vine. There were also some in the ground that had come off the vine which seemed lighter and dried out. When I remove the growth it takes the bark off the vine with it. The vine hasn't shown any new growth all season although one 100 feet away is growing like crazy. My camera is on the blink so I can't get any pictures right now. Any idea what this is and will it affect the clematis I hope to plant in this spot?

Thanks!
Joanne