Virginia Creeper
Parthenocissus quinquefolia · Deciduous woody vine, often growing up trees
Plant Family
Vitaceae
Tree Category
Ornamental / Climbing Vine
Variety / Cultivar
Standard species type
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 9
About This Tree
A vigorous woody vine or climber that frequently scrambles up tree trunks and branches, displaying palmately compound leaves and turning a brilliant crimson-red in autumn.
Leaf Characteristics
Palmately compound leaves typically featuring five leaflets with coarsely toothed margins, green in summer and turning vibrant red or orange in fall.
Bark Characteristics
Grayish-brown, smooth to slightly ridged on older stems, developing lenticels and sometimes clinging rootlets with adhesive pads.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Eastern and central North America
Growing Season
Spring leafing, inconspicuous summer flowers, dark blue berries in late summer to autumn, brilliant red fall foliage before winter dormancy
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to full shade; highly adaptable to various moisture levels and demonstrates good drought tolerance once established.
Mature Size
Climbing up to 30 to 50 feet or more in height with a variable spread depending on support structures, fast growth rate.
Special Characteristics
Exceptional brilliant red fall foliage, excellent tolerance to urban pollution, poor soils, and deep shade.
Wildlife & Ecology
Provides crucial food resources with its berries for numerous species of birds and small mammals, and dense foliage offers nesting cover.