Parthenocissus heptaphylla
Common Name(s):
Previously known as:
- Ampelopsis heptaphylla
- Psedera heptaphylla
- Vitis heptaphylla
- Phonetic Spelling
- par-then-oh-SIS-us hep-tuh-FILL-uh
- Description
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Sevenleaf Creeper is a perennial, woody, deciduous vine or climbing shrub in the grape family and native to southwestern Texas. In its native habitat, it can be found climbing on vegetation in rocky or sandy soils in woods and river bottoms. The plant has tendrils without discs and narrow, thick leaflets that turn color late in the fall. The scrambling stems can spread to 30 feet and are typically found climbing on vegetation in woods and river bottoms
Sevenleaf Creeper does best in moist rocky or sandy soils. It can be sited is full or partial sun and will tolerate heavy shade; however, the best red fall color generally occurs in sunny locations. It should be trimmed regularly to keep it under control.
Sevenleaf Creeper resembles the more common Virginia Creeper, but is limited to the plains of six Texas counties, where it is endemic. In its native habitat, the vine is most often found on soil underlain with limestone.
Sevenleaf Creeper can be used as a climbing vine or trailing ground cover, but it lacks the ability to climb and is less agressive that other Creeper species.
Fire Risk: This plant has a high flammability rating and should not be planted within the defensible space of a home.
Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems:
Watch for beetles, scale and leafhoppers. Mildews, leaf spots, canker, and wilt are occasional problems.
- See this plant in the following landscape :
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Parthenocissus
- Species:
- heptaphylla
- Family:
- Vitaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Stem Cutting
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Southwestern Texas
- Fire Risk Rating:
- high flammability
- Wildlife Value:
- Birds are attracted to the berries. Also attracts bees.
- Play Value:
- Attracts Pollinators
- Screening
- Textural
- Wildlife Food Source
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Ground Cover
- Perennial
- Vine
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Habit/Form:
- Climbing
- Creeping
- Spreading
- Growth Rate:
- Rapid
- Texture:
- Medium
- Appendage:
- Tendrils
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Deep shade (Less than 2 hours to no direct sunlight)
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- Sand
- Shallow Rocky
- Soil pH:
- Acid (<6.0)
- Alkaline (>8.0)
- Neutral (6.0-8.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Moist
- Occasionally Dry
- Available Space To Plant:
- 3 feet-6 feet
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a
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Fruit:
- Fruit Color:
- Black
- Blue
- Fruit Type:
- Berry
- Fruit Description:
- Small blue-black berries.
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Green
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Corymb
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Flower Size:
- < 1 inch
- Flower Description:
- Small, inconspicuous flowers.
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Feel:
- Smooth
- Leaf Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Deciduous Leaf Fall Color:
- Orange
- Red/Burgundy
- Leaf Type:
- Compound (Pinnately , Bipinnately, Palmately)
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Alternate
- Leaf Shape:
- Oblanceolate
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- 1-3 inches
- Leaf Description:
- Narrower, thick, green leaves up to 2 1/2 inches long, turn crimson to scarlet in the fall. Leaflets usually 7 in number, but may be 5 or 6.
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Stem:
- Stem Color:
- Brown/Copper
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Surface:
- Smooth (glabrous)
- Stem Description:
- Stems are scrambling to twining, up to about 30 feet long, and brown when mature.
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Naturalized Area
- Patio
- Slope/Bank
- Walkways
- Woodland
- Landscape Theme:
- Cottage Garden
- Design Feature:
- Border
- Mass Planting
- Attracts:
- Songbirds
