Virginia Creeper, Parthenocissus quinquefolia, is a member of the Vitaceae (grape) family. I found this plant growing along the fence right outside our front door. The woody, deciduous vine is a prolific climber. Its tendrils have "glue" on the tips which allow it to climb without support. Five leaflets radiate outward from a central leaf stem, like spokes on a wheel, and the leaves have toothed margins. Leaves turn brilliant red in early fall.
Virginia Creeper is sometimes called "Five-Leafed Ivy"... that's ivy, as in Poison Ivy. Some people are highly allergic to the oxalate crystals found in the sap of Virginia Creeper. Poison Ivy has three leaflets and smooth edges. Remember the old adage: "Leaves of three, leave it be." But, the toxin in Poison Ivy, urushiol oil, is different from that of Virginia Creeper so, it is possible you can be allergic to one but not the other. Virginia Creeper easily mingles with Poison Ivy making it difficult to distinguish the two.
Berries of the Virginia Creeper are highly toxic to humans and other mammals and may be fatal if eaten. However, they are an important food source to birds and other wildlife.
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