Virginia creeper

Plant Type

Vine

Life Cycle

Perennial

Typical Size

30-50 ft. tall
5-10 ft. wide

Tolerant of

Drought

Inolerant of

Poorly Drained Soil

Propagation

By seed, By cutting, By division, By air-layering

Plant Propagation Notes

Seed requires stratification to germinate. It is easiest to propagate from cuttings or air layering in the fall.

Plant Planting Notes

Can be an aggressive spreader. Do not plant on buildings as the sucker discs can cause damage.

Plants/Diseases

Occasionally, Virginia creeper is affected by beetles, scale, leafhoppers, mildews, leaf spot, wilt, or cankers.

Wildlife Benefits

Nectar/pollen source for pollinating insects, Host plant for butterfly larvae, Fruit/seeds for birds

Leaves

leaves alternate, palmate with five leaflets and serrate margins.

Flowers

Small green to white insignificant flowers on a panicle.

Fruit

Bright blue berry.

Bark

Gray to brown with aerial roots and tendrils.

Toxicity

Fruit is highly toxic and should not be consumed by humans. Some individuals have contact dermises when exposed to the sap.

USDA Hardiness Zones

3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Light Exposure

Full Sun, Part Sun/Shade

Soil Moisture

Medium, Moist

Soil Drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

Acidic (less than 6.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0), Basic (greater than 8.0)

Native in South Carolina?

Yes

Plant Native Habitat

Forests of swamps, bottomlands, maritime areas. Also grows in mesic forests, thickets, and rock outcrops.

Global Conservation Status (NatureServe)

Secure (G5)

Federal Conservation Status (USFWS)

Not Listed

Distribution Notes

Common throughout South Carolina.