Virginia Creeper - Integrated Crop Management

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Virginia creeper

Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia (L.) Planch)

Family: Vitaceae (Grape family)Life cycle: PerennialHabitat: WoodlandsNative status: Native to North America

General description: Woody vine that can climb to heights of 60 ft. Leaves are palmately compound with five leaflets, leaflets have toothed margins.Foliage turns red in the fall.

Key ID traits: Woody vine with five leaflets.

Similar species: Virginia creeper grows in the same habitat as poison ivy, but is easily distinguished by the five leaflets rather than three on poison ivy.

Miscellaneous: The sap of Virginia creeper can cause irritation to skin of some individuals. The plant has been used as an ornamental, either as a ground cover or to cover buildings. The aerial roots attach to surfaces with cup-like structures rather than penetrating the surface, so they are less damaging than some climbing plants. The plant is native to Iowa and is rarely a problem, but its occurrence with poison ivy and ability to cause rash result in many considering it to be a weed.

Weed ID Factsheet Index

pinnately compound leaf with five elliptic leaflets, each leaflet having a dentate margin
Pinnately compound leaf with five elliptic leaflets, each leaflet having a dentate margin
Authors Bob Hartzler Bob Hartzler
  • Retired Weed Scientist and Professor of Agronomy
Dr. Bob Hartzler is a former professor of agronomy and a former extension weed specialist with a Ph.D. in Crop Physiology from Iowa State University. He conducted research on weed biology and how it impacts the efficacy of weed management programs in corn and soybean. Dr. Hartzler also taught undergraduate classes in weed science and weed identification. Meaghan Anderson Meaghan Anderson
  • Field Agronomist in Central Iowa
Meaghan Anderson is a field agronomist serving nine counties in central Iowa and an extension specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Areas of expertise include weed management, weed biology, cover crops, corn and soybean management, and integrated pest management. Meaghan holds a bachelor's degree in agronomy and a master's degree in crop production and physiology (focus: weed science) from Iowa State University. Last Reviewed: March 1, 2021

Topic

  • Weeds

Tags:

  • Virginia creeper
  • weed identification
  • perennial weeds

Tag » What Does Virginia Creeper Look Like