Texas Tech University

Virginia Creeper, Woodbine

Parthenocissus quinquefolia
Vines

(Detailed plant information can be found at the bottom of the page.)
Parthenocissus quinquefolia

Parthenocissus quinquefolia Photo Gallery



Parthenocissus quinquefolia Plant Information

Classification  
   
Scientific Name: Parthenocissus quinquefolia
Common Name: Virginia creeper

woodbine
Family: Vitaceae
Suggested Uses: ground covers, low maintenance areas (walls, trellises, arbor, fences, etc.)
   
Characteristics  
   
Spread: can climb up to 50 feet (often only limited by size of structure plant is growing upon)
Foliage: deciduous, alternate, palmately compound with 5 to 7 leaflets

each leaflet is 2 to 6 inches in length with course serrations

dark, glossy green upper surface; lower surface is dull green

excellent, reliable red Fall color
Flower: insignificant (borne under foliage)
Fruit: blue-black berry, up to ¼ inch in diameter in elongated clusters (similar to grape berries)
Bark: light brown

generally has prominent lenticels and concave leaf scars
   
Environment  
   
Sun: sun or shade tolerant
Water: drought-tolerant
Soil: adapted to most soil types
USDA Zone: zones 4 - 9
   
Care  
   
Maintenance: growth habit can be very aggressive and may become a weed (birds will deposit seeds everywhere)
   
Additional Notes: heat, drought, salt, cold, and pollution tolerant

often mistaken for poison oak or poison ivy

TTU Plant Resources