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[title size=”2″]Virginia Creeper[/title]

The Virginia creeper is also known as the five-leaved ivy or five-finger. As its name suggests it can be found in Virginia as well as the rest of the eastern North American continent. The plant has been discovered as far west as Utah and Eastern Mexico. The Virginia creeper is often confused with poison ivy, but unlike poison ivy it is a harmless plant that serves as a food source for a variety of creatures. As suggested by its name, the Virginia creeper is a climbing vine that can reach heights of over 50 feet. Each of its leaves have five leaflets, a characteristic that differentiates it from poison ivy, which only has three leaflets. The leaves maintain a rich green color throughout the spring and summer and turn a deep red in the autumn. The Virginia creeper also produces small, greenish flowers and dark purple-black berries. The berries provide important nourishment for many different types of bird, deer, squirrel and turkey. Although it does not produce an irritant like poison ivy, the berries are harmful to humans and should not be consumed. Nonetheless, it is a plant that is used for decorative purposes, climbing up fences or providing ground cover. However, due to its “creeping” nature it may quickly become annoying as it spreads easily and can crowd and choke out other plants.

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Parthenocissus quinquefolia

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