Virginia Creeper Vine

Scientifically known as Parthenocissus quinquefolia, the Virginia creeper vine is a native to the United States, and belongs to the woody vine family. In the wild, this perennial vine reaches a staggering height of 20 - 30 m. Smooth surfaces are fancied by this climber to climb on with the help of it small forked tendrils. The leaves consist of five leaflets, 3 - 20 cm in length. The production of fruit and seeds begin with spring and continue until fall. Propagation can done with the help of bare root, container, and seeds.

Caring for A Virginia Creeper Vine

• The advantage of growing this vine is its compatibility with a variety of soil types ranging from dry sandy soils to moist loamy soils. However, it does best in acidic soils.
• For light requirements, partial shade to full sun is preferred by the plant.
• Also, the plant happens to be a salt-tolerant, thus, can be grown near the roadside.
• The vine is even drought-tolerant. However, watering it every week and soaking the soil at least six inches, adds to the health of the creeper.
• Fall or the spring is considered to be a suitable time to sow the seeds. Also, a depth of 3/8 inches is required for the seeds to be placed in the soil.

Virginia Creeper Vine Facts

• Common places where this vine can be found include forests margins, on trees, fence-rows, stream banks, etc.
• It is in the late spring or fall, when the flowers of this plant mature into berries, which are purplish-black in color.
• Thanks to the thick foliage produced by the vine, it provides for a place to stay for small animals.
• When planted in shaded areas and on slopes, the vine actually helps in preventing soil erosion.
• With a medicinal point of view, the bark of the vine come of great use in treating coughs, and the berries, for various rheumatic complaints. The roots are used as a remedy for diarrhea.
• Because of its deep red to burgundy fall foliage, the plant is popularly used as an ornamental. The vine can be used to transform uninteresting walls, trellises, masonry walls, arbors or fences into things of beauty.
• The vine does well as a shady medium for buildings, keeping the place cooler during summers thus, reducing the cost on air conditioning.
• Some people may not appreciate the aggressive growth habits of the plant, and may wish to get rid of it. The best way to do it is to cut the vine's trunk. Never try to rip the plant from the surface, as it would damage the surface it had been growing on. Apply Roundup, a herbicide, at the freshly cut stumps. With time, the vine would lose its grip on the wall.
• Many speculate about the poisonous berries of the Virginia creeper vine. The sap of the plant contains what is known as oxalate crystals. These agents, upon contact with the skin, can cause irritation and skin rash. However, not all may experience this reaction.

It may not be a good idea to let the Virginia creeper vine take over a tree or other shrubs in your landscape. This is because, over time, this rampant grower would keep its host from getting enough sunlight, eventually killing it. Electric poles, fences, etc., are appropriate places to bear this vine.