Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac Information Center

Virginia Creeper

Common Name: Virginia Creeper
Family: Vitaceae (grapevine family)
Genus: Parthenocissus
Latin Name: Parthenocissus quinquefolia

Virginia Creeper is a woody vine which is considered invasive in some regions yet grown as an ornamental in others. The leaves are alternate with each leaf palmately divided (arranged in a radial pattern like fingers from a palm) with 5 (sometimes 3 or 7) leaflets. The leaves are generally long and toothed. Other names are American ivy, woodbine, and ampelopsis.  This deciduous vine is hardy from zone 3 to zone 9.

Interesting Fact: The sap of the Virginia Creeper contains oxalate crystals which can cause irritation and possibly skin rash.