Virginia Creeper, Woodbine

Parthenocissus quinquefolia

Physical Characteristics

Parthenocissus quinquefolia is a deciduous Climber growing to 30 m (98ft 5in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from June to August, and the seeds ripen from October to November. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil. It can tolerate atmospheric pollution.

Distribution

Eastern N. America - Quebec to Florida and Mexico. A garden escape in Britain.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; Ground Cover; East Wall. By. West Wall. By.

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Root Stem Edible Uses: Fruit - raw[105, 161]. The fruit is not very well flavoured, nor is it produced very freely[K]. The fruit is about 6mm in diameter[200] and is carried in small bunches like grapes[K]. Stalks - cooked. They should be peeled and then boiled[105, 161]. The stalks are cut, boiled and peeled, and the sweetish substance between the bark and the wood is used for food[257]. Root - cooked[257].

Medicinal Uses

Alterative Astringent Diuretic Expectorant Tonic The bark and fresh young shoots are aperient, alterative, emetic, expectorant and tonic[46, 61]. A hot decoction can be used as a poultice to help reduce swellings[257]. A tea made from the leaves is aperient, astringent and diuretic[222]. It is used as a wash on swellings and poison ivy rash[222, 257]. A tea made from the plant is used in the treatment of jaundice[222, 257]. A tea made from the roots is used in the treatment of gonorrhoea and diarrhoea[222, 257]. The fruit is useful in treating fevers[4]. Some evidence suggests the berries (due to oxalic acid content)are poisonous [301].

Known Hazards

Skin contact with the leaves in autumn can cause dermatitis in some people[222]. The tissues of the plant contain microscopic, irritating needle-like crystals called raphides[274]. Some evidence suggests the berries are poisonous [301].