Virginia Creeper

Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) is also known as false grape, five-finger ivy, five-leaved ivy, and woodbine. It is native to eastern and central North America and eastern Mexico.

Virginia Creeper is vigorous growing vine easily adding 10’ – 15’ of growth annually. It is most often grown as an ornamental plant to create a visual barrier, hide a fence or wall,

as a ground cover, and even on walls of homes to help cool during summer months.

Virginia Creeper climbs using tendrils (like grapes) that have adhesive pads at their ends. These adhesive pads allow the plant to climb up smooth walls, telephone poles, trees, etc.

The leaves of Virginia Creeper are compound with usually 5 smaller leaflets.

Virginia Creeper is also grown for the beautiful fall color it produces. Leaves may be red to burgundy

and many different colors from red to green.

Virginia Creeper may smother or kill plants it covers by shading them and thereby limiting the plants' ability to get adequate sun to produce sugars from photosynthesis.

The fruit of Virginia Creeper is a berry that is poisonous to humans. Berries are blue-black when mature and are a favorite food of birds in the fall and winter.

Virginia Creeper can be grown in sun or shade with low to regular water. It is hardy to USDA zone 4.

Contact Trees That Please Nursery for availability and pricing.

Photos & Narrative By:

Stephen Sain
Staff Plant Physiologist

Comments

MaggieCr said…

Thanks for such a good description. You have saved my Virginia Creeper from my son, who thought it was poison ivy.

May 9, 2014 at 4:58 AM

Unknown said…

It is also poisonous to dogs.

September 6, 2014 at 3:36 PM

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