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Fothergilla gardenii Witch Alder
Fothergilla gardenii (Witch Alder). Photo © Mary Free
You are here: Home / Plants / Tried and True Native Plant Selections for the Mid-Atlantic / Vines / Parthenocissus quinquefolia (Virginia-creeper)

Parthenocissus quinquefolia (Virginia-creeper)

Emerging compound leaves of Parthenocissus quinquefolia (Virginia creeper) in April.
Palmately compound leaves of native Parthenocissus quinquefolia (Virginia creeper)
Parthenocissus quinquefolia (Virginia creeper) as a ground cover in August at the Caroline Black Garden, Connecticut College Arboretum.
Parthenocissus quinquefolia (Virginia creeper) as a climber in August at the Glencarlyn Library Community Garden, Arlington, VA.
Resinous disks or holdfasts of Parthenocissus quinquefolia (Virginia creeper)
Maturing fruit of Parthenocissus quinquefolia (Virginia creeper) in September at the Bartholdi Garden, U. S. Botanic Garden.
Fruit and fall foliage of Parthenocissus quinquefolia (Virginia creeper) in October.
Fall foliage of Parthenocissus quinquefolia (Virginia creeper) in November.

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Vine Height: 1 foot (as ground cover) Spread: 25–60 feet Bloom Color: Greenish-white Characteristics Climbing, woody, deciduous vine Alternate, palmately compound, serrated leaves; branched tendrils with holdfasts (adhesive disks) Clusters of unremarkable flowers June to August Green berries turn bluish-black Sept. to February Brilliant shades (best in sun) of red to duller wine foliage and bright red pedicels/peduncles in fall Spreads rapidly by above-ground rooting/sprouting Attributes Tolerates clay, loam, sand, dry, and rocky soil; heat, drought, flooding, and salt; no serious pests or diseases; deer occasionally severely damage Berries highly toxic and can be fatal if eaten Attracts various wildlife to fruit (esp. birds), cover Growing and Maintenance Tips Soil Requirements: Average, well-drained Light Requirements: Sun, Partial Shade, Shade Water Requirements: Dry, Moist (preferred), Wet Excellent Replacement for Akebia quinata - Chocolate Vine; Celastrus orbiculatus - Oriental Bittersweet; Clematis terniflora - Sweet Autumn Clematis; Lonicera japonica - Japanese Honeysuckle Holdfasts adhere to surfaces, are tough to remove, leave residue, and can damage painted surfaces, shutters, gutters, and wires Allow room to grow; trim routinely to control spread Use to climb/sprawl on arbors, fencerows, stone or brick walls; as ground cover or bank stabilizer Hardiness: USDA Zones 3–8 developed by Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia, serving Arlington and Alexandria

Tried and True Native Plant Selections 
for the Mid-Atlantic

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Parthenocissus quinquefolia (Virginia Creeper)

Found in fields and forests and in dry soils and wet, this native vine is one of the most widely distributed species in Virginia and is well established throughout the eastern United States. It can be a vigorous spreader, but its attractive foliage and low maintenance can make it a feasible option for difficult-to-grow, shady, droughty, low-fertility, erosion-prone places.

Learn more about other Mid-Atlantic plants: 
Tried and True Native Plant Fact Sheets