Native Plants from American Beauties
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Parthenocissus quinquefolia

Virginia Creeper

Parthenocissus quinquefolia

Virginia creeper is a deciduous, woody vine that climbs vigorously. Attaching to walls and other surfaces with adhesive disks, handsome, five-fingered leaves emerge purplish in spring, mature to green in summer and change to purple or crimson-red in fall. Clusters of small green-white flowers give rise to dark blue or black berries, which are a bountiful source of food for migrating songbirds in late summer and early fall.

Benefits:

  • Good source of berries for birds in late summer and early fall

  • Provides cover and nesting sites for a variety of birds

  • Larval food for a number of hawk moths

  • Good fall color

  • Fast grower adapted to a wide variety of conditions
  • Homeowner Growing and Maintenance Tips

    Easy to grow in full sun to part shade.

    Tolerates full shade and a wide range of soil and environmental conditions.

    Attaches by to flat surfaces (e.g., brick, stone or wood walls) by adhesive disks.

    May also be grown on the ground to cover old stumps, rock piles or other eyesores or for erosion control on slopes.


    Height
    40-50 Feet

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    Spread
    40-50 Feet


    Native Range
    Woods and clearings: Maine to Ohio and Nebraska south to Texas and Florida.

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    Native Trivia
    Before setting out birdhouses, find out which species of cavity nesting birds are common in your area. Make or buy a birdhouse specifically designed for the bird you wish to attract. The size of the entrance hole is critical to prevent the eggs and young from being destroyed by larger birds.


    USDA Hardiness Zone 4-9

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    "Profuse berries and thick foliage make this plant one of the birds' food and cover favorites."

    Characteristics & Attributes

    Plan Sub Group
    Vines
    Exposure
    Sun
    Filtered Shade
    Soil
    Wide soil tolerance
    Soil Moisture Preference
    Average
    Attracts Wildlife
    Songbirds
    Habitat Collection
    Dry Shade
    Butterfly
    Songbird
    Foliage Color
    Dark Green
    Uses
    Ground cover
    Climbing, trailing
    Erosion control
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