Virginia Creeper (Woodbine)
Parthenocissus quinquefolia · Deciduous, Woody Climbing Vine
Plant Family
Vitaceae (Grape family)
Tree Category
Climbing Vine/Groundcover (often mistaken for a tree seedling or shrub)
Variety / Cultivar
Native species wild-type
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 3 through 9
About This Tree
A vigorous, fast-growing woody vine known for its ability to climb vertical surfaces using branched tendrils with adhesive pads (disks). It can grow as a groundcover or climb up to 50 feet high on trees and structures. It has a loose, trailing form and provides dense vertical coverage.
Leaf Characteristics
Palmately compound with 5 leaflets (occasionally 3-7) arranged around a central point. Leaflets are 2-6 inches long with serrated (toothed) margins. Foliage is a medium green in summer, turning a brilliant crimson-red or burgundy in the fall.
Bark Characteristics
Young stems are reddish and smooth; as the vine matures into a thick woody trunk, the bark becomes grey-brown, rough, and slightly fissured or stringy.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Central and Eastern North America (Canada to Mexico)
Growing Season
Leafs out in mid-spring, flowers in late spring/early summer, produces berries in fall, and enters dormancy in winter after dramatic leaf loss.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Highly adaptable; thrives in Full Sun to Full Shade. Requires moderate watering during establishment but is very drought-tolerant once mature. Prefers well-drained soil.
Mature Size
Can climb 30–50 feet (9–15 meters) in height; spread varies by supporting structure. Fast growth rate (3–10 feet per year).
Special Characteristics
Exceptional fall color; salt and pollution tolerant. Uses adhesive pads to climb rather than twining, allowing it to scale smooth surfaces. Often confused with poison ivy, but distinguished by having 5 leaflets rather than 3.
Wildlife & Ecology
Provides critical high-energy food for songbirds (thrushes, woodpeckers) via its dark blue-black berries. Host plant for several species of Sphinx moths. Offers dense nesting cover and shelter for small mammals and birds.