Table of Contents for Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia)
Introduction
Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) is a herbaceous perennial vine that grows in a variety of habitats including fields, woods, gardens, fencerows, and disturbed areas. It is the host plant for the Virginia Creeper Sphinx Moth (Darapsa myron). The non-showy greenish-white flowers come out in the spring and summer and the blue to black fruits in the late summer and fall. The fruits of this plant contain a high amount of oxalic acid and are poisonous to humans, but birds are fond of the fruit.
Taxonomy and History of Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia)
Taxonomy
Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) was first called Hedera quinquefolia by Carl Von Linnaeus in Species Plantarum (1753). In 1887, Jules Émile Planchon, a French botanist, renamed it to its current name. This plant is a member of the Grape Family (Vitaceae).
Synonyms
This species has been had numerous synonyms through the years and has been placed in the genera of Ampelopsis, Hedera, Vitis, and Psedera.
Meaning of the Scientific and Common Names
Scientific Name
The genus name, Parthenocissus, is a combination of the Greek words parthenos (virgin) and kissos (ivy) to produce “virgin ivy.” The species name, quinquefolia, is a Latin reference to the five leaves of the plant.
Common Name and Alternative Names
The common name refers to the creeping nature of the vine and the location where it was first found. One alternative name, victoria creeper, also refers to the vine. Other alternative names, such as five-leaved ivy and five-finger, are in reference to the five leaves. Another name, woodbine, is apparently in reference to the habitat of the species and is often applied to one of the synonyms, P. inserta (Minnesota Wildflowers). This plant has also been called the Carolina creeper vine.
Physical Description of Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia)
Description
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial vine
- Height (Length): Vine that grows to 30 to 50 feet
- Leaves: Alternate, palmately compound, serrate leaflets that range from 3 to 8 (12) inches in length and width. Occasionally there can be 3 to 4 or up to 7 leaflets (Minnesota Wildflowers).
- Flower color: greenish-white to greenish-yellow
- Blooming period: May to August
- Fruit type and period: blue, purple to black berry that matures from August to October.
Range of Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) in the United States and Canada
This species is located throughout the continental United States and southern Canada except for the far west and North Dakota and Wyoming. Its range also extends south through Mexico into Central America.
Habitat
This plant grows is very flexible in its habitats from full sun to almost full shade.
Hosted Insects
This plant is a host to the Virginia Creeper Sphinx Moth (Darapsa myron).
Other Supported Wildlife
Many species of bees enjoy the nectar of the flowers in the spring. The fruits are used as a food source by birds in the fall.
Frequently Asked Questions about Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia)
Is this plant poisonous?
This plant is listed as having a “high poison severity” if the berries are eaten. They can cause severe sickness or be fatal upon ingestion because of the high amount of oxalic acid. This is plant is not edible for humans.
How do you tell this plant from poison ivy or poison oak?
Virginia creeper has five palmate leaves, whereas poison ivy and oak both have three leaves. Pictured to the right is an image of poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans), which has three leaves.
Are there any Ethnobotanical uses for this plant?
Despite this being highly poisonous, it has been used to treat rashes and other diseases. A pink dye has also been made from the berries. (Native American Ethnobotany Database).
Is it considered to be invasive?
This plant has been introduced to Europe and is considered to be invasive in the United Kingdom. Even though it is native in the United States, it does have invasive characteristics here and needs to be controlled if planted. It has been introduced around the world including Asia, Australia, Africa, and South America.
Is this plant deer resistant?
This plant is listed as being deer resistant by gardenia.net and as moderately resistant by NC Extension Gardener.
Gardening with Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia)
Add to Virginia Creeper to Your Garden
The link below takes you to our product page where we get a small commission from your purchase at no additional cost to you.
Hardiness
This species is hardy in zones 3-11. This is a wide range and covers most gardens in the United States and into Canada. This plant does well in gardens and it is likely you can grow it. Note that not all cultivars grow in the zone range for the species and may be more restricted. However, it can be invasive and needs to be controlled. It is also highly flammable, so it needs to be kept away from houses.
Cultivars
- ‘Troki’ – Red Wall: noted for bronze foliage in the spring and red foliage in the fall with blue berries.
- ‘Monham’ – Star Showers: has white markings on the foliage giving it a paint splatter look. This cultivar is also called variegated Virginia Creeper (Plant Delights Nursery).
- ‘Engelmannii’ : Has brilliant red foliage and can grow in the colder hardiness zones.
- ‘Yellow Wall’ : Has light green leaves that turn yellow in the fall with a blue-black fruit.
Optimal Conditions
This vine can handle a wide range of conditions from full sun to nearly full shade. It is likely to be able to handle any condition in the garden.