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Parthenocissus is a genus of deciduous vines that belong to the Vitaceae or Grape Family. Propagation is by seed, cuttings and layering. The most common species are:
Parthenocissus quinquefolia commonly known as American Ivy or Virginia Creeper, and sometimes as Wild Woodbine. (In England Woodbine is applied to a different genus - Lonicera.) Virginia Creeper is sometimes confused with Poison Ivy which has three-parted leaves. Virginia Creeper has a set of 5 parted compound leaves each measuring 1 to 6 inches in length. The leaves are green in spring and summer which turn a brilliant scarlet to crimson before dropping in autumn. Dark shiny, blue-black berries appear in fall on mature specimens. It is a high climbing vine that clings to any rough surface such as brick walls and other supports. It can grow along the ground to form a cover up to one ft. thick. The stems of the vines, although woody, remain small and delicate, even in mature specimens growing up to 50 or 60 feet.
Virginia Creeper can grow in full sun or partial shade and is winter hardy in Zones 3-10.
Specimen photographed showing fall colors in Louisville, Kentucky, November 1998.
Parthenocissus tricuspidata commonly known as Boston Ivy or Japanese Ivy. Another high climbing vine with very dense foliage and three-parted glossy green leaves that turn orange to scarlet in autumn. It clings to brick walls, trees and any other supports. Winter hardy in Zones 5-8.
Parthenocissus henryana a more delicate vine from China that prefers filtered light. It has five-parted leaves with white veins and purple underneath. It is a bit less invasive than other vines of this genus and is winter hardy in Zones 7-9.
© 1998 Michael King
