Virginia Creeper

Scientific name

Parthenocissus quinquefolia

Description

The Virginia Creeper is a deciduous, woody vine species which can grow up to 15 m if near a tall structure or tree. The leaves are palmately compound with five ovate shaped leaflets. These leaves are largely toothed and turn bright red and orange during the fall. Despite having inconspicuous flowers, this species produces incredible dark blue berries, which are beneficial to birds and small mammals. This vine can grow 2-3 m per growing season, thus pruning and maintenance may be required. Virginia Creeper may sometimes be confused with Poison Ivy as younger plants will only have three leaflets instead of five. This plant can grow aggressively so should be planted where it has plenty of space to spread. Some shoreline landowners choose to plant this around rip rap/loose stone retaining walls for a more natural appearance. The root system is beneficial for quickly controlling erosion.

Planting conditions

Virginia Creeper grows best in normal to moist conditions with full or partial sun exposure. It grows easily in most soil types and moisture levels. It is tolerant to salt, urban pollution, full shade, clay soil, and drought. Avoid planting near house as this plant can cause damage to surface paint, gutters, and wiring. This vine can be naturally found in forests, around rocky slopes, and along river or lake shorelines.

Details

• Plant height:
  • Any
  • Over 3m
• Moisture level:
  • Dry
  • Normal
  • Moist
  • Drought Tolerant
• Light conditions:
  • Full sun
  • Partial sun
  • Shade
• Soil type:
  • Sandy
  • Loamy
  • Clay
  • Rocky
• pH:
  • Acidic
  • Basic
  • Normal
• Depth:
  • Potted
  • Bareroot
• Eco Zone:
  • 4a
  • 4b
  • 5a
  • 5b
  • 6a
  • 6b
  • 7a
  • 7b
• Plant type:
  • Vine
• Height:
  • 15 m
• Spread:
  • 15 m