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Virginia Creeper

Parthenocissus quinquefolia

Please keep in mind that it is illegal to uproot a plant without the landowner's consent and care should be taken at all times not to damage wild plants. Wild plants should never be picked for pleasure and some plants are protected by law.
For more information please download the BSBI Code of Conduct PDF document.

Plant Profile
Similar Species
Other Information
Distribution Map

Flowering Months:

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

Order:

Vitales

Family:

Vitaceae (Grape)

Also in this family:

Boston Ivy, Crimson Glory Vine, False Virginia Creeper, Grape Vine

Type:

Flower

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Maximum Size:

30 metres long

Habitats:

Gardens, hedgerows, riverbanks, roadsides, scrub, towns, walls, wasteland, waterside, woodland.

Flower:

White, 5 petals

Virginia Creeper produces small greenish-white flowers that are inconspicuous. These flowers are arranged in clusters and bloom in late spring to early summer. While not particularly showy, they contribute to the plant's reproductive cycle and the eventual formation of the dark blue to black berries in the autumn.

Fruit:

The fruit of Virginia Creeper consists of small, dark blue to black berries. These berries are produced in clusters and are a notable feature of the plant, appearing in the autumn. While visually appealing, it's important to note that the berries are not considered edible for human consumption. They serve as a food source for birds and contribute to the plant's role in supporting local wildlife.

Leaves:

A deciduous, climbing, woody vine with tendrils. The leaves are distinctive. They are long-stalked, glossy, and compound (5-lobed). The leaflets are ovate, pointed and with coarsely serrated margins. The upper side of the leaves are dark green and lower side, light green. The leaves turn from green to a brilliant scarlet red in autumn.

Aroma:

Virginia Creeper does not have a distinctive aroma. The plant is primarily appreciated for its visual appeal, especially during the autumn when it displays vibrant foliage. While some plants are known for their fragrant flowers or leaves, Virginia Creeper is not typically cultivated for any notable scent.

Other Names:

American Ivy, American Woodbine, Ampelopsis, Engelmann's Ivy, False Grape, Five-finger, Five-leaved Ivy, True Virginia Creeper, Victoria Creeper, Wild Wood Vine, Woodbine.

Frequency (UK):

Occasionally seen

Boston Ivy

False Virginia Creeper

Summary

Parthenocissus quinquefolia, commonly known as Virginia creeper or woodbine, is a species of flowering plant in the grape family. It is native to Eastern North America but can be found in other parts of the world as an invasive species. It is a climbing vine that can grow up to 50 feet tall and is known for its foliage which turns red in the fall. It is commonly found in woodlands, along stream banks, and in urban areas, climbing on walls, fences, or trees. It is also known for its small blue-black berries that are produced in the fall.

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Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) is a beautiful and hardy deciduous vine that is native to North America. It is a popular plant in landscaping and gardening due to its attractive foliage, fast growth rate, and ease of care.

This vine can grow up to 30 meters long, with leaves that are typically 5-fingered and change color throughout the seasons, starting as a brilliant red or purplish color in the spring and turning deep green in the summer, before finally turning a brilliant red or orange in the fall. The small, blue-black berries produced by the vine are attractive to birds and wildlife, making Virginia Creeper an excellent choice for those looking to create a natural, wildlife-friendly environment.

One of the main advantages of Virginia Creeper is its ability to grow in a wide range of soils and conditions, including full sun, partial shade, and even full shade. It is also relatively disease and pest-resistant, making it a low-maintenance option for those who are looking for an attractive plant that is easy to care for.

One important thing to keep in mind when planting Virginia Creeper is that it is an aggressive grower, so it is important to provide it with proper support, such as a trellis or wall. The vines are also heavy, so it is important to make sure that any support structures are sturdy enough to withstand their weight.

Virginia Creeper is a beautiful, versatile, and low-maintenance plant that is perfect for anyone looking to add some color and interest to their garden or landscape. With its attractive foliage, fast growth rate, and ease of care, it is an excellent choice for those looking to create a natural, wildlife-friendly environment.

Another important aspect to consider when planting Virginia Creeper is its climbing ability. The plant is well known for its tendrils, which are modified leaves that it uses to cling to surfaces, making it an excellent choice for covering walls, fences, trellises, and other structures. It is also a great option for hiding unsightly features in the landscape, such as air conditioning units or utility boxes.

One thing to be mindful of when planting Virginia Creeper is its invasiveness. While it can be a beautiful and attractive addition to your garden, it can also become too aggressive and spread beyond its intended area, so it is important to take steps to keep it under control. One option is to plant it in a container and limit its growth by regularly pruning it back.

When it comes to caring for Virginia Creeper, it is a relatively low-maintenance plant. It is important to water it regularly until it is established, and then it is able to tolerate periods of drought. Fertilizing the plant in the spring can also help to promote growth and improve the overall health of the plant.

Virginia Creeper is an attractive and versatile plant that is perfect for adding some color and interest to your garden or landscape. With its fast growth rate, ease of care, and ability to climb and cover walls, it is a great option for those who are looking to create a natural, wildlife-friendly environment. Just be mindful of its invasiveness and make sure to keep it under control to prevent it from spreading beyond its intended area.

One more important thing to note about Virginia Creeper is its toxic nature. The plant contains oxalic acid, which is toxic to both humans and animals, causing skin irritation and digestive issues if ingested. It is important to keep this in mind if you have children or pets in your home, and to take steps to prevent them from coming into contact with the plant.

Despite its toxic nature, Virginia Creeper is a great option for landscaping and gardening, and it can provide many benefits to the environment. For example, it can help to reduce erosion by holding soil in place, and it can also provide habitat and food for wildlife, such as birds and butterflies.

Another advantage of Virginia Creeper is its low cost and availability. It is widely available at nurseries and garden centers, and it is typically very affordable, making it an excellent option for those on a budget. Additionally, the plant is easy to propagate, so it is possible to start new plants from cuttings or by dividing existing plants.

Virginia Creeper is a beautiful and versatile plant that is perfect for adding some color and interest to your garden or landscape. With its fast growth rate, ease of care, and ability to climb and cover walls, it is a great option for those who are looking to create a natural, wildlife-friendly environment. Just be mindful of its toxic nature, especially if you have children or pets, and make sure to keep it under control to prevent it from spreading beyond its intended area.

Another great aspect of Virginia Creeper is its versatility. It can be used in a variety of ways in the landscape, including as a ground cover, a wall climber, a specimen plant, or as part of a mixed border. It can also be trained to grow along arbors or trellises, adding a vertical element to the garden.

In addition to its ornamental value, Virginia Creeper also has practical uses. For example, it can provide shade and privacy when grown on walls or fences, and it can also act as a natural air conditioner by cooling outdoor spaces through transpiration.

It's also worth mentioning that Virginia Creeper is a very low-maintenance plant that is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, making it a great option for those who are looking for a hardy and durable plant for their garden. However, it is still important to keep an eye out for any potential issues, such as powdery mildew or scale insects, and to address them promptly if they arise.

In conclusion, Virginia Creeper is a beautiful, versatile, and low-maintenance plant that is perfect for anyone looking to add some color and interest to their garden or landscape. With its attractive foliage, fast growth rate, and ease of care, it is an excellent choice for those looking to create a natural, wildlife-friendly environment. Just be mindful of its toxic nature and make sure to keep it under control to prevent it from spreading beyond its intended area.

25 Virginia Creeper Facts

Botanical Name: The Virginia Creeper is scientifically known as Parthenocissus quinquefolia.
Native Range: It is native to eastern and central North America.
Climbing Vine: Virginia Creeper is a deciduous, woody vine that climbs by means of tendrils.
Leaf Arrangement: The compound leaves consist of five leaflets, giving it the characteristic palmate or hand-like appearance.
Fall Foliage: One of its most striking features is its vibrant autumn colors, ranging from deep red to purple.
Versatile Growth: It can grow on a variety of surfaces, including walls, fences, and trees.
Habitat: Virginia Creeper is often found in woodlands, along riverbanks, and in disturbed areas.
Berries: In the fall, the vine produces small, dark blue to black berries that are a food source for birds.
Tendrils: The vine uses adhesive tendrils to attach itself to surfaces, aiding in its climbing ability.
Invasive Potential: While not considered highly invasive, it can spread vigorously and may require management in certain settings.
Wildlife Habitat: Provides shelter for birds and insects, contributing to local biodiversity.
Sun and Shade Tolerance: It can thrive in both full sun and partial shade conditions.
Drought Tolerance: Virginia Creeper is relatively drought-tolerant once established.
Spring Growth: New leaves emerge in the spring, starting as a reddish color before turning green.
Cultural Uses: Some Native American tribes historically used parts of the plant for medicinal purposes.
Non-Edible Berries: While the berries are attractive, they are not considered edible for humans.
Winter Appearance: In winter, the vine's naked tendrils can add an interesting texture to the landscape.
Fast Growth: Virginia Creeper can grow several feet in a single year under optimal conditions.
Hardiness Zones: It is adaptable to a wide range of climates and is hardy in USDA zones 3-9.
Landscaping Use: Often used in landscaping for its ornamental value and ability to cover structures.
Relative of Grapevines: Belongs to the Vitaceae family, making it a relative of grapevines.
Low Maintenance: Once established, it is generally low-maintenance and can withstand neglect.
Allergenic Potential: Some individuals may experience skin irritation when handling the plant.
Historical Uses: European settlers admired its beauty and often used it for decorative purposes in gardens.
Wildfire Resistance: While not completely fire-resistant, Virginia Creeper can recover from moderate wildfires due to its ability to resprout from the base.