Virginia Creeper
Parthenocissus quinquefolia
Also listed as Ampelopsis latifolia, Ampelopsis quinquefolia
Also known as Woodbine, American Ivy, Five-leaf-ivy
Climate Match for your location
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A vigorous climbing vine with five-leaflet foliage that turns brilliant red in fall and clings to structures with adhesive disk-tipped tendrils. It provides year-round interest and is easy to grow in most conditions.
Why grow it
Virginia creeper offers reliable deciduous cover and reliable fall color across a wider hardiness range (zones 3-9) than many comparable vines. Unlike some ornamental climbers, it establishes quickly and tolerates poor soil, dry shade, and compacted conditions once established, making it practical for difficult sites where other vines struggle. Its adhesive disks allow vertical coverage without support structures, though this same trait distinguishes it from twining species that require trellising.
Watch out for
The vine's vigorous growth can become dense and heavy on older structures, potentially damaging mortar, gutters, or flashing if not monitored; periodic pruning helps manage coverage. Foliage density may obscure underlying problems with walls or siding until damage becomes advanced. Some gardeners find the self-clinging character makes it slower to establish initially than nursery descriptions suggest, requiring 1-2 seasons before tendrils grip effectively.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Vitaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Eastern North America
Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia
Seasonality
Season of Interest
Climber
Vines that climb the layers above on a support.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A vigorous climbing vine with five-leaflet foliage that turns brilliant red in fall and clings to structures with adhesive disk-tipped tendrils. It provides year-round interest and is easy to grow in most conditions.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Virginia Creeper grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Virginia creeper offers reliable deciduous cover and reliable fall color across a wider hardiness range (zones 3-9) than many comparable vines. Unlike some ornamental climbers, it establishes quickly and tolerates poor soil, dry shade, and compacted conditions once established, making it practical for difficult sites where other vines struggle. Its adhesive disks allow vertical coverage without support structures, though this same trait distinguishes it from twining species that require trellising.
Watch out for
The vine's vigorous growth can become dense and heavy on older structures, potentially damaging mortar, gutters, or flashing if not monitored; periodic pruning helps manage coverage. Foliage density may obscure underlying problems with walls or siding until damage becomes advanced. Some gardeners find the self-clinging character makes it slower to establish initially than nursery descriptions suggest, requiring 1-2 seasons before tendrils grip effectively.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Vitaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Eastern North America
Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia
Seasonality
Season of Interest
Climber
Vines that climb the layers above on a support.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar climbers you might consider:
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