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Virginia Creeper

Parthenocissus quinquefolia

Photo by GregMayberry
Published on Project Noah
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34.4125, -96.5421

Field Notes

Description:

A woody, climbing vine, or ground cover, Virginia Creeper is most easily recognized by the palmately compound leaves made up of 5 serrated leaflets. In the late fall and early winter, the leaves turn orange or red, and the plant produces small deep purple berries which serve as a food source for birds.

Habitat:

Virginia Creeper is found growing as a vine on trees in heavily shaded woodlands. In the case of Camp Simpson, is frequently found on oaks, elms, and hickory trees . . . the dominant tree species in the area.

Notes:

At Camp Simpson, young boy scouts frequently confuse this with poison ivy. The most obvious difference is Virginia Creeper's 5 leaflets per leaf, as opposed to Poison Ivy's 3 leaflets. However, it is QUITE common to see the two vines growing together on the same tree!

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (1)

must look lovely in autumn when the leaves turn and also with berrries ! - thanks for sharing this

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