Parthenocissus quinquefolia
Virginia creeper
Eastern North America — from Maine to Florida, west to Manitoba, Kansas, and Texas; woodlands, forest edges, roadsides, and disturbed areas
Drought Tolerant
Native to North America
Overview
Parthenocissus quinquefolia is Virginia creeper (woodbine), a vigorous deciduous climbing vine reaching 30-50 feet (9-15 m) tall and 5-10 feet (1.5-3 m) wide. Palmately compound leaves with 5 distinct toothed leaflets each 1.5-4 inches (4-10 cm). Turns scarlet to crimson in fall — among the earliest vines to color. Small dark blue-black berries 0.25 inch (6 mm) on red stalks in September-October. Climbs by adhesive-tipped tendrils. In Vitaceae spp.. Native to eastern North America. The vigorous growth and the difficulty of removal from surfaces are the primary limitations. The adhesive discs leave permanent marks when removed. The 5-leaflet compound leaf distinguishes this from poison ivy (3 leaflets). Berries and foliage toxic to humans (calcium oxalate). Sap can irritate skin. Highly adaptable — tolerates deep shade, drought, clay, and poor soil. Zones 3-9. Part sun to full shade. Growth rate is fast.
Native Range
Native to eastern North America — from Maine to Florida, west to Manitoba, Kansas, and Texas. Found in woodlands, forest edges, roadsides, and disturbed areas.Suggested Uses
Grown on masonry walls, fences, large trees, and as a ground cover on slopes spaced 5-10 feet (1.5-3 m). Scarlet fall color. Native to North America. Vigorous — requires space. Adhesive tendrils leave marks. Toxic to humans. Zones 3-9.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height30' - 50'
Width/Spread5' - 10'
Reaches mature size in approximately 4 years
Bloom Information
Early summer (June-July). Greenish tiny inconspicuous flowers in small cymes. 4 weeks. Insect-pollinated. Dark blue-black berries on red stalks ripen September-October.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Greenish, tiny, inconspicuous, in small cymesFoliage Description
Palmately compound with 5 distinct leaflets each 1.5-4 inches (4-10 cm) long, toothed; glossy medium green in summer; turns scarlet to crimson in fall — among the earliest vines to colorGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 1-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Part sun to full shade (1-10 hours — highly adaptable). Any well-drained soil pH 5.5-7.5. Drought-tolerant once established. Adhesive tendrils leave permanent marks — use on surfaces where removal is not planned. Vigorous — prune to contain. Berries and foliage toxic to humans. Sap can irritate skin. Zones 3-9.Pruning
Prune in late winter (February-March) or fall (October-November) to control spread. Cut back stems growing into windows, gutters, or unwanted areas. The adhesive tendrils are permanent — removing established stems from surfaces damages paint and mortar.Pruning Schedule
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early springfall