Virginia Creeper

Description:

Virginia creeper is a native, fast-growing, perennial, woody vine that may climb or trail along the ground. The leaflets are red when they first emerge but turn green as they mature. In the fall, leaves turn a bright red to maroon color. It is often cultivated as an ornamental because of its fall foliage and to replace many exotic plants. This fruit is a 4 to 6 mm diameter bluish-black berry that usually contains two to three seeds. Virginia creeper flowers from June to August, matures fruits from August to October and drops fruits from September to February. It is an excellent covering for walls, trellises, arbors or fences.

Habitat:

It can be found on the borders of clearings, on trees, along fencerows and streambanks. The plant thrives in partial shade to full sun. It prefers acidic soil, and tolerates a wide range of soils from dry sandy soils to moist loamy soils. The plant is also salt tolerant.

Notes:

The berries of this plant are eaten by many animals especially birds. Virginia creeper berries are highly toxic to humans and may be fatal if eaten. Its sap can also cause skin irritation in some people similar to poison ivy!