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| ## virginia creeper {#virginia-creeper .Title-Header}                 |
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| *Parthenocissus quinquefolia* (L.) Planch.                            |
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| Plant Symbol = PAQU2                                                  |
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Contributed by: USDA NRCS Plant Materials Program

![Color image of Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus
quinquefolia)](media/image2.jpeg){width="3.0in" height="2.0in"}**Uses**

*Erosion Control*: Although Virginia creeper has a rather open canopy
structure, with its energetic growth and aboveground rooting and
sprouting habits this species can be useful groundcover for erosion
control and watershed protection, particularly in shaded areas.

*Restoration*: Virginia creeper is a native component of eastern climax
forests.

*Wildlife*: Virginia creeper provides cover for many small birds and
mammals. Songbirds are the principle consumers of the fruit, however
deer, gamebirds and small mammals will also feed on them. Cattle and
deer will sometimes browse on the foliage.

*Other*: Virginia creeper is often cultivated as an ornamental because
of its attractive foliage. The bark has been used in domestic medicines
as a tonic, expectorant and remedy for dropsy.

##### Status {#status .Header-3}

Please consult the PLANTS Web site and your State Department of Natural
Resources for this plant's current status (e.g. threatened or endangered
species, state noxious status, and wetland indicator values).

##### Description {#description .Header-3}

Virginia creeper is a native, woody, deciduous vine that climbs to a
height of 60 feet on trees, poles or other structures, or forms a
blanket of foliage up to 12 inches high along the ground. Stems are
orange brown, finely hairy with branched tendrils that end in adhesive
discs. The leaves are alternate and compound with 5, or rarely 3,
leaflets that turn bright red in autumn. The leaflets are pointed,
coarse-toothed and grow to 6 inches long. Inconspicuous green flowers
borne in clusters during the spring are followed by a cluster of ¼-inch
bluish black berries. There are 12,000 to 19,000 seeds per pound.

##### Adaptation and Distribution {#adaptation-and-distribution .Header-3}

Virginia creeper is found throughout the eastern half of the United
States. It prefers moist, well-drained soils but will grow in drier
soils and conditions including coastal dune areas. Virginia creeper is
fairly shade tolerant, however it is often found along more open
clearing borders, fencerows and streambanks. It is also salt tolerant.

For a current distribution map, please consult the Plant Profile page
for this species on the PLANTS Website.

##### Establishment {#establishment .Header-3}

Seeds should be drilled 3/8 inches deep in the fall or, preferably, in
the spring after stratification. Virginia creeper can also be propagated
from hardwood cuttings or layering. Literature suggests germination
rates vary between 20 and 50% with optimum density for erosion
protection at 10 plants per square foot. For restoration, partial cover,
and wildlife plantings, it is often planted other species at densities
of 1 plant or less per square foot.

##### Management {#management .Header-3}

As Virginia creeper will grow in low fertility and droughty conditions
maintenance for this species is minimal.

##### Cultivars, Improved, and Selected Materials (and area of origin) {#cultivars-improved-and-selected-materials-and-area-of-origin .Header-3}

'Engelmanni' and 'Monham.'

##### Prepared By & Species Coordinator:  {#prepared-by-species-coordinator .Header-3}

Tony Bush

USDA NRCS Rose Lake Plant Materials Center

East Lansing, Michigan

##### 

##### Edited: 05Feb2002 JLK; 060802 jsp {#edited-05feb2002-jlk-060802-jsp .Header-4}

For more information about this and other plants, please contact your
local NRCS field office or Conservation District, and visit the PLANTS
Web site\<[http://plants.usda.gov](http://plants.usda.gov/)\> or the
Plant Materials Program Web site
\<[http://Plant-Materials.nrcs.usda.gov](http://Plant-Materials.nrcs.usda.gov/)\>

*The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in
all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national
origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual
orientation, and marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases
apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require
alternative means for communication of program information (Braille,
large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA\'s [TARGET
Center](http://www.usda.gov/oo/target.htm) at 202-720-2600 (voice and
TDD).*

*To file a complaint of discrimination write USDA, Director, Office of
Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence
Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call 202-720-5964 (voice or
TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.*

*Read about [Civil Rights at the Natural Resources Convervation
Service](http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/about/civilrights/).*