Plant of the Week: Parthenosissus quinquefolia

Plant of the Week! It’s everywhere- you might even have it in your yard without realizing it. Parthenosissus quinquefolia, Virginia Creeper, is a widespread and aggressive woody vine that grows over the ground, up trees, and on flat surfaces, including buildings. It’s often considered a weed, particularly when the vines climb up and cover trees, where they can outcompete the trees for sunlight. However, Virginia Creeper is also a cultivated plant and even has some cultivars. The leaves turn bright red in the fall, and its berries are eaten by birds (though poisonous to humans). If you like the look of Virginia Creeper’s relative, Boston Ivy (Parthenosissus tricuspidata), give this native alternative a try.