Virginia ecotype
Duration: Perennial, deciduous vine
Habit: Climbing vine, trailing, vigorous, tendril-bearing
Size: Can climb 30 to 50+ feet; spreads widely as groundcover or climber
Flowering Time: May to July
Bloom Color: Greenish-white (inconspicuous); fruits dark blue-ish berries
Habitat: Woodlands, forest edges, fencerows, rocky slopes, streambanks
Moisture: Dry to moist; adaptable but prefers well-drained soils
Light: Full sun to full shade
Soils: Sandy, loamy, clay, or rocky soils; very adaptable
Uses: Wildlife habitat, erosion control, vertical cover, groundcover, native landscapes, woodland gardens
Parthenocissus quinquefolia (Virginia Creeper)
Parthenocissus quinquefolia, or Virginia Creeper, is a fast-growing native woody vine that climbs by branched tendrils with adhesive disks, allowing it to scale walls, fences, and other structures without causing damage to mortar. It is easy to train to grow on trellises, and can also ascend mature trees or spread out horizontally as a groundcover.
Virginia Creeper easily identified by its five pointed leaves and its vibrant red-orange fall foliage. The small greenish flowers bloom in late spring to early summer and are followed by blue-black berries on red stems in late summer to fall. This vining species is incredibly adaptable and tolerant of a wide range of light, soil, and moisture conditions.
Ecologically, Virginia Creeper is a valuable native species for wildlife. Fall berries provide a food source for many birds, including woodpeckers, thrushes, warblers, and vireos, while the dense foliage offers nesting and cover potential. As a host plant it supports several sphinx moths such as the Abbott’s sphinx (Sphecodina abbottii).
Unlike non-native invasive English Ivy, Virginia Creeper does not form dense, impenetrable monocultures of itself that smother out all life. Regardless, this vine should not be allowed to grow on young, unestablished trees. It should be planted where its easy spread and vigor is appreciated and prove beneficial, such as taking place of English Ivy or Japanese Stiltgrass.
Note: This plant does not cause contact dermititis by oils such as urushiol (i.e. poison ivy). Instead, the vine's fresh sap contains small crystals that can cause skin irritation in some people. Caution should be taken when trimming or removing Virginia Creeper by hand, or utilize gloves.