Parthenocissus quinquefolia (Virginia Creeper)

Virginia Creeper is an adaptable Texas native vine that can attach itself to surfaces. The presence of adhesive tips instead of penetrating rootlets means it doesn't damage buildings the way some vines do. It has large leaves that provide attractive fall color, and it does well both in the sun or shade. It is often confused with poison ivy, but you can easily differentiate the two because poison ivy’s leaves come in three, and Virginia Creeper is five-leaved.

Virginia Creeper provides cover and food for birds and small mammals that will eat the plant’s black berries in the winter. It is also a larval host for several species of sphinx moths.

AT A GLANCE