Virginia Creeper

Virginia Creeper Parthenocissus quinquefolia -

Leaf -

	The leaves on the Virginia creeper are alternating and compound.
	They have 3 or 5 leaflets that turn bright red in autumn.
	Leaflets are pointed, toothed and grow no longer than 6 inches.

Stem -

	The stems are brown and orange.
	They have fine hairs with branched tendrils that end in adhesive discs.

Flower -

	The flowers are green which are born into clusters.
	During the spring and a cluster of blackberries are made after the flowers.

Seed -

To make a pound of seeds you have to 12,000 to 19,000 seeds.

Distribution

Virginia creeper is found throughout all of the United States.

Form -

	The Virginia creeper has five leaves.
	The plant gets no bigger than six inches tall.
	The stem splits off into the five leaves.

Discussion -

	Some people think that this is poison ivy.
	Poison ivy has three leaves not five.
	Some people consider this the climber vine because it can grow up trees.

Location: Cumberland High School, 1496 IL route 121, Toledo, IL 62468

GPS Coordinates:

References -

	*USDA, NRCS. The PLANTS Database, Version 3.5.* 2004. 22 October 2004. (http://plants.usda.gov). National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70874-4490 USA.**
	Plants Database, 2 November 2004http://davesgarden.com/pdb/go/1695///,
	MSN Maps and Directions. n.d. 22 October 2004 www.mapblast.com

Contact Information -