Species PlantsVirginia Creeper

Virginia Creeper

Parthenocissus quinquefolia

CommonPlant
Illustration of Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia)

Virginia Creeper is a native woody vine that climbs trees, walls, and fences with tendrils tipped with adhesive discs. In autumn, the five-part leaves turn a spectacular crimson-red. Its small blue-black berries are an important food for many birds, particularly during fall migration. The berries contain oxalic acid and can cause stomach upset in humans.

Habitat
Forest edges, roadsides, and disturbed areas across eastern North America
Diet
Berries eaten by over 35 bird species including thrushes, woodpeckers, and warblers
How common
Common

Best time to see a Virginia Creeper

The best time to see a Virginia Creeper is April–July, when about 66% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 105,076 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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Not certain it is a Virginia Creeper? What plant is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.

Often confused with

Poison Ivy - see how to tell them apart

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