Also known as American-Ivy · Five-Leaf-Ivy · Five-Leaved Ivy
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans and pets. See toxicity details.
Parthenocissus quinquefolia, Virginia Creeper, is a vigorous, deciduous woody vine. Known for rapid growth and crimson fall foliage, it climbs with adhesive tendrils. It
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full sun to partial shade
100% intensity
Moderate to low once established, drought-tolerant
100% intensity
Adaptable, well-drained
50% intensity
Very hardy, tolerant of wide range
100% intensity
Outdoor
50% intensity
Low, generally not required
100% intensity
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | Yes 3/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 3/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
All parts, especially berries and leaves, contain calcium oxalate crystals which cause irritation to the mouth, throat, and digestive tract if ingested. Skin contact with sap can cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water newly planted Virginia Creeper regularly to establish a strong root system. Once established, it is quite drought-tolerant and generally only needs supplemental watering during prolonged dry periods.
Ensure the soil drains well to prevent root rot, as it does not tolerate waterlogging. Reduce watering significantly in autumn as the plant prepares for winter dormancy.
Prune Virginia Creeper to control its vigorous growth, remove dead or damaged stems, and shape it as desired. The best time for major pruning is late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
Throughout the growing season, prune as needed to prevent it from climbing onto unwanted structures or becoming too dense.
Virginia Creeper is easily propagated from stem cuttings taken in late spring or early summer. Cuttings should be about 15-20 cm long, with several nodes. Remove lower leaves and root them in moist potting mix or water.
It can also self-seed readily, and layering is another simple method where a stem is buried to root while still attached to the parent plant.
Virginia Creeper is not typically grown in pots due to its vigorous, vining nature. If started in a container, it will quickly outgrow it and require transplanting to a much larger pot or, ideally, into the ground.
Repotting is generally only practical for very young plants or for temporary landscape designs.
Identify plants like this with ePlant AI
Snap a photo to get care tips and match similar species on the go.
Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia)
Where Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) is found
Density
Tap map to explore
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Vitales |
| Family | Vitaceae |
| Genus | Parthenocissus |
| Species | Parthenocissus quinquefolia |
Similar in genus Parthenocissus
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
