My clematis grows pretty well most years (unless the deer eat it) This year instead of producing leaves and flowers I have these "leafy buds" (see photos) all over the plant. What are they? What can I do about them? Should I cut the plant back? Thanks for your help!

I never saw this on my clematises. My suggestion it could be insects or some kind of virus. I would cut those stems. May be somebody has better ideas.

They're also new to me. If it was my clematis I'd leave them alone and see what happens.