About
the
Virginia
Creeper
:
The
Virginia
Creeper,
Parthenocissus
quinquefolia,
is a
fast-growing,
high-climbing
vine
that
attaches
itself
with
tendrils
which
expand,
disk-like,
on
their
tips.
The
deciduous
leaves
that
radiate
outward
from
a
leaf
stem,
like
spokes
on a
wheel.
Each
leaflet
is
about
3"-7"
long
and
an
inch
or
two
wide.
The
leaves
turn
fiery
red
in
fall
and
are
very
showy.
The
individual
flowers
are
tiny
and
inconspicuous,
and
arranged
in
elaborate
long-stemmed
clusters,
with
each
flower
at
the
tip
of
its
own
flower
stem.
The
berries
are
blue-black,
less
than
a
half-inch
across
and
much
relished
by
birds.
Easy
to
grow,
the
Virginia
Creeper
can
get
out
of
hand
if
not
managed.
Also
known
as
Woodbine,
it
will
send
up
sprouts
and
seed
itself,
and
established
plantings
may
smother
shrubs
and
trees.
Virginia
creeper
will
thrive
in
most
soils,
in
sun
or
partial
shade,
with
or
without
a
structure
to
climb
on.
Virginia
creeper
is
favored
for
its
brilliant
fall
foliage
and
as a
manitenance-free
ground
cover.
When
allowed
to
clamber
over
trees
or
other
tall
structures,
it
develops
elongated
leafy
festoons
that
are
especially
showy.
Where
there
is
nothing
to
climb,
it
attaches
to
the
ground
with
adventitious
roots,
and
makes
an
excellent
cover
for
slopes
or
other
places
where
grass
is
not
practical
or
desired.
