Virginia creeper vine could be a good pick for a fence and it benefits birds — but make sure you have the space to grow this native plant.
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What Is Virginia Creeper Vine?
Found throughout most of the United States, Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia, Zones 3 to 9) is a native, climbing vine known for its rapid growth rate. Hardy, perennial, and unfussy, it can be a good solution for gardeners looking for a plant to climb on a trellis or fence. However, because of its speedy and aggressive growth habit — up to 20 feet in one year — it can quickly become unmanageable and even a nuisance.
If you choose to grow Virginia creeper, it prefers moist, well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade. At maturity, it can reach up to 50 feet in length. The plant grows rapidly during its first year, with subsequent years seeing slower growth rates. Because the plant attaches through “sucker discs,” it can cause damage to painted or delicate surfaces and should be removed carefully, if necessary.
Prune annually as needed, making sure to keep vines away from your home’s gutters and windows.
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Benefits of Growing Virginia Creeper Vine
While gardeners should give consideration to whether this vine is right for their garden, there are benefits to adding it. When grown on a suitable surface such as a garden arbor or as a privacy screen to block unattractive views, it does its job well. It can also serve as a useful ground cover plant to reduce erosion on a steep slope. The leaves turn eye-catching shades of red in the fall, which adds interest to the landscape.
Virginia creeper offers wildlife benefits, too. Sphinx moths use it as a host plant and its small, greenish white flowers bring in pollinators. Deer tend to leave it alone, and songbirds such as cedar waxwings, rose-breasted grosbeaks and yellow-rumped warblers eat the plant’s blue colored berries in fall. Note that although birds enjoy these fruits, they are highly toxic to humans and may be fatal if consumed in large quantities.
Virginia creeper vine also provides nesting sites for birds.
Psst—we found the top 10 vines to grow for hummingbirds.
Virginia Creeper vs Poison Ivy
Because this vine and poison ivy commonly co-occur in wooded areas, hikers (and gardeners!) commonly confuse them for each other. The easiest way to distinguish between the two is to count the number of leaves. Poison ivy’s easily recognized by the “leaves of three, let it be” mantra: while poison ivy has three leaflets, Virginia creeper has five. In addition, poison ivy’s leaves can be smooth at the edges, while Virginia creeper’s are always toothed.
Poison ivy’s adverse effects are well-known, but gardeners should note that Virginia creeper can also cause mild irritation. Typically, it only causes a rash in people with sensitive skin. With that said, it’s always advisable to wear proper protective clothing when hiking and gardening.
Next, check out the essential guide to growing clematis vines.
Sources
- North Carolina State University Extension, “Parthenocissus quinquefolia“
- PennState Extension, “Virginia Creeper and Poison Ivy Identification with Control“
- Wisconsin Horticulture Division of Extension, “Virginia Creeper, parthenocissus quinquefolia”
