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
SainStaff Plant Physiologist
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