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Project Noah Nature School
Parthenocissus quinquefolia
A woody, climbing vine, or ground cover, Virginia Creeper is most easily recognized by the palmately compound leaves made up of 5 serrated leaflets. In the late fall and early winter, the leaves turn orange or red, and the plant produces small deep purple berries which serve as a food source for birds.
Virginia Creeper is found growing as a vine on trees in heavily shaded woodlands. In the case of Camp Simpson, is frequently found on oaks, elms, and hickory trees . . . the dominant tree species in the area.
At Camp Simpson, young boy scouts frequently confuse this with poison ivy. The most obvious difference is Virginia Creeper's 5 leaflets per leaf, as opposed to Poison Ivy's 3 leaflets. However, it is QUITE common to see the two vines growing together on the same tree!
Spotted on Jun 15, 2011
Submitted on Jan 12, 2012
1 Comment
must look lovely in autumn when the leaves turn and also with berrries ! - thanks for sharing this