Virginia Creeper

Sometimes mistaken for poison ivy (which has three leaves), the 5-pointed Virginia Creeper makes an excellent groundcover for areas in shade or sun. It's a host plant for sphinx moths as well as the Eight-Spotted Forester moth, whose caterpillars feed on this plant. Birds come to eat berries in the fall, and the leaves turn a stunning purple and red, especially when grown in full sun. The vine can cling to structures such as fences or walls (though if removed, they leave behind little tendril marks). Let it trail through the garden along the ground, and let it touch the soil to root to take cuttings and expand your planting. Learn more at Native Gardeners.


Plant Size: Gallon
Scientific Name:  Parthenocissus quinquefolia
Height: up to 30' tall
Spread: 5-10' wide
Light: Full Sun, Afternoon Sun, Shade