Virginia Creeper (Growing on a Tree Trunk)
Parthenocissus quinquefolia · Deciduous Woody Vine (Often mistaken for or climbing a tree)
Plant Family
Vitaceae
Tree Category
Vining/Climbing Plant
Variety / Cultivar
Wild Type
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 3 through 9
About This Tree
Although the background shows a mature tree trunk with furrowed bark, the foreground features the characteristic palmate compound leaves of the Virginia Creeper vine climbing up the tree.
Leaf Characteristics
Palmate compound leaves typically with 5 leaflets, coarsely toothed margins, medium green in summer turning brilliant red or purple in autumn
Bark Characteristics
The visible bark in the background is deeply furrowed, grayish-brown, and typical of a mature hardwood tree hosting the vine
Growing Information
Origin Region
Eastern and central North America
Growing Season
Spring through autumn, deciduous with vibrant red fall foliage
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to full shade; adaptable to various moisture levels with good drought tolerance once established
Mature Size
Climbing vine reaching lengths of 30 to 50 feet or more depending on support structure
Special Characteristics
Exceptional brilliant red fall color, highly adaptable, fast-growing, excellent for erosion control and wildlife
Wildlife & Ecology
Produces dark blue berries rich in lipids that are consumed by numerous species of birds and small mammals during winter