Virginia creeper

September 16, 2015

Parthenocissus quinquefolia (L.) Planch.

Life cycle

Perennial woody vine.

Leaves

Alternate, palmately compound usually with five leaflets, although leaves may consist of three to seven leaflets. Leaflets have toothed margins and turn deep red in the fall.

Virginia creeper leaf
Compound leaves of Virginia creeper.

Tendrils

Branched three to eight times with adhesive disks at their tips that enable plants to grip and climb vertical surfaces.

Virginia creeper tendril.

Stems

Climbing woody vines with white pith. Young stems are red to green and turn brown with age.

Flowers and fruit

Flowers are small, inconspicuous and green to white. Fruit are small, blue to black, grapelike berries (drupes).

Virginia creeper fruit.

Reproduction

Seeds. Often dispersed by birds. Stems in contact with the ground may root.

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MSU Extension Integrated Pest Management