Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia)

Plantae>Magnoliophyta>Magnoliopsida>Rhamnales>Vitaceae>Parthenocissus quinquefolia (L.) Planch.

Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia)

Virginia Creeper is a common woody vine throughout North Carolina. The palmately compound leaves are not similar to those of any other local vine.

Durham, NC 6/14/2002.

Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia)

It's easy to see from the flowers that Virginia Creeper is in the grape family.

Durham, NC 6/14/2002.

Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia)

Columbus Co., NC 7/19/03.

Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia)

The blue fruits look like miniature grapes, but are poisonous. Though the fruits are not good for humans to eat, they are enjoyed by many species of birds and other wildlife.

Durham, NC 9/11/08.

Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia)

Carroll Co., VA 9/24/06.

Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia)

Carroll Co., VA 10/15/05.

Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia)

Carroll Co., VA 10/15/05.

Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) fruits

New Hanover Co., NC 8/29/09.

Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) fruits

Currituck Co., NC 11/8/08.

Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia)

Bark detail.

Mecklenburg Co., VA 5/2/06.

Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia)

Virginia Creeper can take over entire trees or even buildings, though unlike certain other rambunctious vines (the native Trumpet Creeper and exotic invasive English Ivy, Japanese Honeysuckle, Kudzu, and Chinese Wisteria), it is easy to keep under control.

Mecklenburg Co., VA 5/2/06.

Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia)

This flowering specimen was hanging down from pine trees at the edge of the BioSci parking lot at Duke.

Durham, NC 6/14/2002.