Virginia-creeper Parthenocissus quinquefolia

Virginia creeper or woodbine is a deciduous, woody vine Vitaceae (grape) family. It is native to eastern and central North America south to Mexico found growing in ravines, valleys, rich woods, thickets, rocky bluffs, hillsides, and fencerows. In North Carolina, it can be found naturally in swampy forests, maritime forests, and thickets. 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.

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.

Grown 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.

Nectar from the insignificant flowers attracts bees and the blue fleshy fruits are enjoyed by songbirds and small mammals.   Virginia creeper is pollution and salt tolerant and moderately resistant to deer damage, heat, drought, and soil compaction. They may be planted near black walnut trees.  It often needs little care but must be trimmed regularly to keep it in bounds. 

This rapidly growing vine should be sited in areas 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 it 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 assist with erosion management.  

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

Insects, Diseases, or Other Plant Problems:  No serious problems but watch for beetles, scale, and leafhoppers.  Mildews, leaf spots, canker, and wilt are occasional problems for this plant.

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