Virginia Creeper

(Parthenocissus quinquefolia)

Vitaceae (Grape Family)

Parthenocissus quinquefolia: Virginia Creeper

Location near campus: growing on fence along alley south of campus that runs north of the houses along Loren St.

leaves palmately compound, alternate, deciduous with dark green glossy color in summer; leaflets turn bright orange to red in fall
leaflets lanceolate with serrate/dentate margins toward tips; 4-8" long and 1/3 as wide
stems round, light brown with prominent lenticels and concave leaf scars; has tendril-like structures with clinging tips for climbing structures
fast growth rate, up to 30-50’ tall with much branching, if on walls
flowers not significant; fruit is a blue-black glaucous berry which is somewhat showy after leaves fall
very adaptable to soil type and sun exposure; reseeds & grows easily anywhere, but somewhat difficult to transplant once established--best if container-grown plants used in new establishments
native to Missouri