Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) is a vigorous, deciduous vine that can grow up to 40 feet. Equally happy trailing along the ground or climbing a support (including trees and walls), the leaves of this plant turn a brilliant red, purple, and mauve in the fall and its blue berries are an important food for birds and small mammals.
Virginia creeper is an easy-to-grow plant that tolerates urban conditions and can be grown in a pot. It needs a medium amount of water and soils with good drainage. It prefers full or partial sun with full sun producing more brilliant fall colors in the plant’s leaves. Don’t confuse it with poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans): Virginia creeper tends to have groups of five leaflets while poison ivy normally has groups of three. As the saying went that I learned as a child, "leaves of three, let it be; leaves of five, let it thrive."
In addition to the berries that are an important food source for wildlife, this plant is host to several species of moths. Caterpillars are also an important food source for wildlife.
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