Virginia creeper

Parthenocissus quinquefolia (L.) Planch.

Virginia creeper is a vigorous woody vine that can climb trees and other surfaces or spread across the ground. Tendrils end in adhesive discs that fasten the plant to its support. The vine is deciduous, with green summer foliage changing to crimson or purple in autumn. NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox: Parthenocissus quinquefolia

Botanical name

Kew accepts Parthenocissus quinquefolia (L.) Planch. in Vitaceae. Kew Plants of the World Online: Parthenocissus quinquefolia

Recognizing the plant

Each compound leaf usually has five saw-toothed leaflets radiating from a shared point. The leaves alternate along the stems. Small greenish-white flowers are often hidden among the upper foliage, followed by fleshy blue fruits. Mature stems develop grey-brown bark. NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox: Parthenocissus quinquefolia

Bloom window

North Carolina, United States

In North Carolina, flowers are available from May through July, according to NC State Extension. NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox: Parthenocissus quinquefolia

Native range

Kew’s native-range treatment extends from southeastern Canada south through North America to El Salvador, and includes Bermuda and Cuba. The species belongs to the grape family and is a temperate-climate liana, a woody climber capable of using surrounding vegetation for support. Kew Plants of the World Online: Parthenocissus quinquefolia

Ecological relationships

Bees visit the inconspicuous flowers for nectar. NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox: Parthenocissus quinquefolia

Songbirds and small mammals eat the fleshy fruits. NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox: Parthenocissus quinquefolia

Virginia creeper feeds larvae of the Virginia creeper sphinx, Achemon sphinx and grapeleaf skeletonizer moths. Penn State Extension: Perennial Vines, Friend or Foe?

Botanical sources

Reviewed 2026-10-11. Seasonal development varies with location and growing conditions.