Virginia creeper
Family
VitaceaeScientific Name
Parthenocissus quinquefolia
Other Common Names:
woodbine
fiveleaved ivy
American ivy
Synonyms (former Scientific Names):
Parthenocissus quinquefolia var. saintpaulii
Ampelopsis hederacea var. murorum
Parthenocissus quinquefolia var. hirsuta
Vitis inserta
Parthenocissus hirsuta. Parthenocissus inserta
Psedera quinquefolia
Hedera quinquefolia
Parthenocissus quinquefolia var. murorum
Ampelopsis latifolia
Vitis quinquefolia
Psedera quinquefolia var. murorum
Ampelopsis quinquefolia
Habit
This climbing perennial vine flowers from June through August. It spreads by rooting at the nodes of the vines, and also by seed dispersal. The vine can grow up to 30 m in length when growing along the ground.
Leaves
The compound leaves are composed of 3 to 7 leaflets, usually 5. The leaflets have toothed margins, and turn red to maroon in the fall. Each ovate leaflet grows on long petioles, and can grow from 4-15 cm long.
Identifying Characteristics
This plant is often confused with poison ivy, but can be distinguished by its 5 leaflets that originate from a single point.
Flower Seed Head
The small greenish white flowers grow in terminal clusters. Each flower has 5 petals that are 2-3 mm long.
Seed Fruit
The fruit are dark blue or black, grape-like berries. These waxy berries are poisonous to humans. Each berry will contain 1 to 3 brown seeds, 3 to 4 mm in diameter.
Where Found
This plant can grow in both moist and dry locations. It can often be found along forests, growing in trees, and in fences.
Growth Habit
vine
Thorns or Spines
not present
Approximate Flower Diameter
Varies:
pencil,
dime
Dominant Flower Color
Varies:
white,
green
Flower Symmetry
radial symmetery
Leaf Hairs
no hairs
Leaf Shape
Varies:
lance,
oval
Leaf Arrangement
alternate
Leaf Margin
Varies:
entire,
lobed,
serrated
Leaf Structure
Varies:
trifoliate,
pinnate
Leaf Stalk
Varies:
shorter than leaf,
longer than leaf
Stem Hairs
no hairs
Stem Cross Section
round or oval
Milky Sap
not present
Root Structure
Varies:
fibrous,
rhizomes present
Life Cycle
perennial
Ochrea
not present
Plant Type
Vine