Virginia Creeper

Plant taxonomy classifies Virginia creeper (or "woodbine") as Parthenocissus quinquefolia. Engleman's ivy (Parthenocissus quinquefolia 'engelmannii') is a cultivar (sometimes given as 'engelmanii').

Virginia creeper is a deciduous, woody vine.

Grasping for support with its tendrils, Virginia creeper can climb as high as 50 feet. Its leaves, comprised of 5 leaflets, morph from their summer green into a fall foliage color ranging from reddish-orange to burgundy. The flowers aren't much to look at, but Virginia creeper berries are a pleasing dark blue.

Virginia creeper is indigenous to eastern North America and can be grown in planting zones 3-9.

Although tolerant of shade, Virginia creeper often achieves optimal autumn color in full sun to part shade. Grow it in a well-drained soil.

Parthenocissus is a backward translation (and a rather lame one, frankly) from the English, with a healthy dose of poetic license. Partheno- means "virgin" (as in "Virginia") and cissus translates as "ivy." Virginia creeper is, indeed, native to Virginia but is a not true ivy. Meanwhile, the species name, quinquefolia, refers to the 5 leaflets of which each of the leaves is comprised. The second part of the common name is misleading, in that Virginia creeper is a climber, not a creeping vine.

No doubt, its fall foliage color is the outstanding feature of Virginia creeper. Along with sumac, another native, Virginia creeper is one of the unsung heroes of fall foliage in my region (New England, U.S.).

Some folks dislike its aggressive growth habits and are intent on killing Virginia creeper. Since it grows so high, it's impractical to try killing Virginia creeper (a mature plant, that is) by spraying its leaves. Instead, cut the vine's trunk (near ground level), then apply the strongest concentrate of glyphosate (Roundup) you can buy to the fresh wound. An organic method of killing Virginia creeper is to dig it out, but this is easier said than done, as the plant spreads via rhizomes.

Since Virginia creeper is one of the plants mistaken for poison ivy, many people wonder if it is "poisonous" in the sense that poison ivy is poisonous. The sap flowing through Virginia creeper vines does contain oxalate crystals, which can be an irritant for a small percentage of people. If you're unsure as to whether you're one of those people, don't touch Virginia creeper, since the result of contact could be a nasty skin rash. Nor should you eat Virginia creeper berries.

If you live in eastern North America, you probably don't need to grow Virginia creeper in your yard, because chances are good that it's growing nearby anyway, perhaps along a road you drive every day (where you can get your fill of Virginia creeper!).

But if you live somewhere where Virginia creeper is not a native plant, perhaps you've considered growing it (many have). If so, keep some caveats about Virginia creeper in mind:

1. Virginia creeper is a vigorous grower and may get out of hand if not kept in check with equal vigor.
2. Sticky, disk-like appendages on its tendrils adhere to wall siding, making it difficult to remove. Don't grow Virginia creeper on walls unless you wish it to be permanent!
3. Virginia creeper will climb trees and cast shade on their leaves, thus depriving them of needed sunlight. Don't allow Virginia creeper to grow on specimen trees!

Possible solutions to the above problems (in order):

1. Grow Engleman's ivy; this cultivar is considered less vigorous.
2. If you want the look of a wall covered with Virginia creeper, but without the risk, install a trellis near the wall and grow the Virginia creeper on the trellis (keeping it well trimmed).
3. Don't allow Virginia creeper to grow on specimen trees! Instead, grow it on garden arbors or on fences.