Crow’s Nest: Flowers of Virginia Creeper

By Daniel Barringer, Preserve Manager.

I’m not sure I’ve ever noticed the flowers of Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquifolia) before, shown here with the new buds. We like this native plant for its burgundy fall color and wildlife value from its blue penduncle-born fruit. The flowers are also interesting, though small and often located out of sight high on the vine.

This is not a vine where we worry about it smothering a tree. It’s a good grower but not overly vigorous like Oriental bittersweet or Japanese honeysuckle.

Virginia creeper is in the grape family, and since grapes are favored by the newly-arrived pest insect, the spotted lanternfly, you will also find that insect on Virginia creeper. Grapevine is a little more succulent so it seems to be damaged more, but only time will tell.