Virginia-creeper Parthenocissus quinquefolia

Virginia creeper is a perennial, woody, deciduous vine in the grape family (Vitaceae). It is native to eastern North America and south to Mexico. The genus name Parthenocissus is derived from the Greek word parthenos which means virgin and kissos which means ivy. The species name quinquefolia means five leaves and refers to the five palmate leaflets.

Grow it in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. While it will tolerate full shade, the best red fall color generally occurs in sunny locations. This is an easy-to-grow plant with good tolerance for a wide range of soils. It often needs little care but must be trimmed regularly to keep it in bounds. It may be planted near black walnut trees. It is pollution and salt tolerant and moderately resistant to deer damage, heat, drought, and soil compaction. Propagate it by seed or stem cutting. 

This vigorous tendril-climbing vine will rapidly grow to 30 to 50 feet long or more. It needs no support because it clings to surfaces by adhesive holdfasts (also called sucker disks) located at the tendril ends. It also will creep along the ground as suggested by the common name. The mature bark is gray-brown and aerial roots appear along its surface. When rapidly growing, the aerial roots are bright orange-brown. Nectar from inconspicuous flowers attracts bees, and the blue fleshy fruits are enjoyed by songbirds and small mammals. 

Plant Virginia creeper where it will have room to expand and grow. Do not place near wood or shingle walls because the holdfasts are difficult to remove and can ruin painted surfaces. If unchecked, vines can also attach to and seriously damage such objects as gutters, shutters, or wiring around homes and buildings. Use in vertical spaces as a screen or planted on a sturdy trellis, or let it run free over the ground in sloped areas to manage erosion. Site it in a woodland, drought-tolerant, native or pollinator garden. 

Fire Risk: This plant has an extreme flammability rating and should not be planted within the defensible space of a home. Select plants with a low flammability rating for the sites nearest your home. 

Insects, Diseases, or Other Plant Problems:  Watch for beetles, scale and leafhoppers. Mildews, leaf spots, canker, and wilt are occasional problems.

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VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Annuals, Perennials, Vines, and Groundcovers" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.