Parthenocissus Species, Virginia Creeper, Engleman Ivy, Five Finger Ivy, Woodbine
Parthenocissus quinquefolia
Family: | Vitaceae (vee-TAY-see-ee) (Info) |
Genus: | Parthenocissus (par-then-oh-KISS-us) (Info) |
Species: | quinquefolia (kwin-kway-FOH-lee-uh) (Info) |
Synonym: | Vitis quinquefolia |

Category:
Vines and Climbers
Water Requirements:
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater
Sun Exposure:
Full Sun
Sun to Partial Shade
Light Shade
Partial to Full Shade
Foliage:
Deciduous
Foliage Color:
Medium Green
Height:
over 40 ft. (12 m)
Spacing:
24-36 in. (60-90 cm)
36-48 in. (90-120 cm)
4-6 ft. (1.2-1.8 m)
6-8 ft. (1.8-2.4 m)
Hardiness:
USDA Zone 3a: to -39.9 °C (-40 °F)
USDA Zone 3b: to -37.2 °C (-35 °F)
USDA Zone 4a: to -34.4 °C (-30 °F)
USDA Zone 4b: to -31.6 °C (-25 °F)
USDA Zone 5a: to -28.8 °C (-20 °F)
USDA Zone 5b: to -26.1 °C (-15 °F)
USDA Zone 6a: to -23.3 °C (-10 °F)
USDA Zone 6b: to -20.5 °C (-5 °F)
USDA Zone 7a: to -17.7 °C (0 °F)
USDA Zone 7b: to -14.9 °C (5 °F)
USDA Zone 8a: to -12.2 °C (10 °F)
USDA Zone 8b: to -9.4 °C (15 °F)
USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F)
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
Where to Grow:
Grow outdoors year-round in hardiness zone
Danger:
N/A
Bloom Color:
Light Blue
White/Near White
Bloom Characteristics:
Bloom Size:
Bloom Time:
Late Spring/Early Summer
Other details:
May be a noxious weed or invasive
Soil pH requirements:
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)
Patent Information:
Non-patented
Propagation Methods:
From softwood cuttings
From semi-hardwood cuttings
From hardwood cuttings
From seed; direct sow outdoors in fall
From seed; winter sow in vented containers, coldframe or unheated greenhouse
Seed Collecting:
Allow unblemished fruit to ripen; clean and dry seeds
Regional
This plant is said to grow outdoors in the following regions:
Birmingham, Alabama
Cullman, Alabama
Daphne, Alabama
Huntsville, Alabama
Jones, Alabama
Mobile, Alabama
Owens Cross Roads, Alabama
Pelham, Alabama
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Tuskegee, Alabama
Vincent, Alabama
Wetumpka, Alabama
Juneau, Alaska
Golden Valley, Arizona
Scottsdale, Arizona
Morrilton, Arkansas
Atascadero, California
Boulder Creek, California(2 reports)
Canoga Park, California
Chico, California
China Lake Acres, California
Lompoc, California
Paradise, California
Ridgecrest, California
Sacramento, California
San Diego, California
Sonoma, California
Stockton, California
Ventura, California
Aurora, Colorado(3 reports)
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Denver, Colorado(2 reports)
Lamar, Colorado
Longmont, Colorado
Peyton, Colorado
Springfield, Colorado
Steamboat Springs, Colorado
Marlborough, Connecticut
North Haven, Connecticut
Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
Pontenure, Emilia-Romagna
Atlantic Beach, Florida
Bartow, Florida
Boca Raton, Florida
Boynton Beach, Florida
Brandon, Florida
Brooksville, Florida
Daytona Beach, Florida
Englewood, Florida
Fort Lauderdale, Florida(3 reports)
Fort Pierce, Florida
Holmes Beach, Florida
Homestead, Florida
Jacksonville, Florida(2 reports)
Keystone Heights, Florida
Lake Placid, Florida
Lakeland, Florida
Live Oak, Florida
Lutz, Florida
Miami, Florida
New Port Richey, Florida
Old Town, Florida
Oldsmar, Florida
Panama City, Florida
Pompano Beach, Florida(2 reports)
Port Saint Lucie, Florida
Saint Augustine, Florida
Sanibel, Florida(2 reports)
Sebring, Florida
Tampa, Florida
West Palm Beach, Florida
Winter Garden, Florida
Winter Springs, Florida
Brunswick, Georgia
Canton, Georgia
Ellerslie, Georgia
Hawkinsville, Georgia
Jonesboro, Georgia
Moultrie, Georgia
Pine Mountain, Georgia
Rome, Georgia
Snellville, Georgia
Idaho Falls, Idaho
North Fork, Idaho
Champaign, Illinois
Chicago, Illinois
Decatur, Illinois
Elburn, Illinois
Glen Ellyn, Illinois
Hampton, Illinois
Jacksonville, Illinois
Peoria, Illinois
Westchester, Illinois
Evansville, Indiana
Indianapolis, Indiana
New Carlisle, Indiana
Coralville, Iowa
Davenport, Iowa
Waterloo, Iowa
Copeland, Kansas
Wichita, Kansas
Barbourville, Kentucky
Benton, Kentucky
Hebron, Kentucky
Lexington, Kentucky
Louisville, Kentucky
Mc Dowell, Kentucky
Paducah, Kentucky
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Bossier City, Louisiana
Holden, Louisiana
Kenner, Louisiana
La Place, Louisiana(2 reports)
Biddeford, Maine
Cushing, Maine
Brookeville, Maryland
Crofton, Maryland
Cumberland, Maryland
Ellicott City, Maryland
Hagerstown, Maryland(2 reports)
Laurel, Maryland
Valley Lee, Maryland
Bridgewater, Massachusetts
Chelmsford, Massachusetts
Chicopee, Massachusetts
Concord, Massachusetts
Gloucester, Massachusetts
Marshfield, Massachusetts
Woburn, Massachusetts
Bay City, Michigan
Bridgeport, Michigan
Coopersville, Michigan
Davison, Michigan
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Hillman, Michigan
Jackson, Michigan
Pinconning, Michigan
Richmond, Michigan
White Pigeon, Michigan
Braham, Minnesota
Minneapolis, Minnesota(4 reports)
Leakesville, Mississippi
Mathiston, Mississippi
Saucier, Mississippi
Carthage, Missouri
Cole Camp, Missouri
Conway, Missouri
Farmington, Missouri
Hartsburg, Missouri
Kirksville, Missouri
Miller, Missouri
Piedmont, Missouri
Rogersville, Missouri
Sullivan, Missouri
Billings, Montana
Bridger, Montana
East Helena, Montana
Kalispell, Montana
Carson City, Nevada
Caldwell, New Jersey
Dunellen, New Jersey
Frenchtown, New Jersey
Howell, New Jersey
Lanoka Harbor, New Jersey
Leonardo, New Jersey
Roselle Park, New Jersey
Verona, New Jersey
Belen, New Mexico
Roswell, New Mexico
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Ballston Lake, New York
Beacon, New York
Buffalo, New York
Deposit, New York
New Berlin, New York
Oceanside, New York
Orangeburg, New York
Schenectady, New York
Southold, New York
Advance, North Carolina
Charlotte, North Carolina
Clayton, North Carolina
Concord, North Carolina
Ellenboro, North Carolina
Havelock, North Carolina
Henderson, North Carolina
Jacksonville, North Carolina
Mount Holly, North Carolina
New Bern, North Carolina
Norlina, North Carolina
Oxford, North Carolina
Polkton, North Carolina
Wake Forest, North Carolina
Warrenton, North Carolina
Belfield, North Dakota
Medora, North Dakota
Cincinnati, Ohio
Cleveland, Ohio
Columbus, Ohio
Glouster, Ohio
Guysville, Ohio
Richmond, Ohio
Ada, Oklahoma
Hulbert, Oklahoma
Jay, Oklahoma
Norman, Oklahoma
Stilwell, Oklahoma
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Baker City, Oregon
Cheshire, Oregon
Klamath Falls, Oregon
Mill City, Oregon
Salem, Oregon
Allison Park, Pennsylvania
Apollo, Pennsylvania
Feasterville Trevose, Pennsylvania
Glen Rock, Pennsylvania
Greencastle, Pennsylvania
Joffre, Pennsylvania
Media, Pennsylvania
Norristown, Pennsylvania
Oxford, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania(2 reports)
Port Matilda, Pennsylvania
Sybertsville, Pennsylvania
Washington, Pennsylvania(2 reports)
West Chester, Pennsylvania
Bishopville, South Carolina
Conway, South Carolina
Lexington, South Carolina
Marion, South Carolina
Murrells Inlet, South Carolina
North, South Carolina
Rock Hill, South Carolina
Spartanburg, South Carolina(2 reports)
Summerville, South Carolina(2 reports)
Brookings, South Dakota
Huron, South Dakota
Clarksville, Tennessee
Fairview, Tennessee
Gainesboro, Tennessee
Hendersonville, Tennessee
Knoxville, Tennessee
Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Nashville, Tennessee
Pocahontas, Tennessee
Alice, Texas
Austin, Texas(4 reports)
Azle, Texas
Belton, Texas
Boerne, Texas
Brownwood, Texas
Copperas Cove, Texas
Dallas, Texas(2 reports)
De Leon, Texas
Denison, Texas
Fort Worth, Texas(3 reports)
Helotes, Texas
Houston, Texas
Ingram, Texas
Lamesa, Texas
Lampasas, Texas
Missouri City, Texas
New Braunfels, Texas
Port Neches, Texas
Princeton, Texas
Richmond, Texas
San Antonio, Texas
Spring, Texas
Stephenville, Texas
Weatherford, Texas
Willis, Texas
Wimberley, Texas(2 reports)
Magna, Utah
Salt Lake City, Utah(3 reports)
South Jordan, Utah
Vernal, Utah
West Jordan, Utah
Bristol, Vermont
Big Stone Gap, Virginia
Chesapeake, Virginia
Leesburg, Virginia
Newport News, Virginia
Roanoke, Virginia
Round Hill, Virginia
Virginia Beach, Virginia
MOXEE, Washington
Pullman, Washington
Spokane, Washington(3 reports)
Twisp, Washington
Clarksburg, West Virginia
Edmond, West Virginia
Falling Waters, West Virginia
Glasgow, West Virginia
Morgantown, West Virginia
Princeton, West Virginia
Altoona, Wisconsin
De Pere, Wisconsin
Madison, Wisconsin
Menasha, Wisconsin
Porterfield, Wisconsin
Casper, Wyoming
Cheyenne, Wyoming
Cody, Wyoming
Jackson, Wyoming
show allGardeners' Notes:
Rating | Content |
---|---|
Negative | On Feb 11, 2022, hfhf from Fort Lauderdale, FL (Zone 10b) wrote: The hardiness zones shown for this aggressive monster top out at zone 9 in this article, but in coastal Dade & Broward counties in South Florida (Miami & Fort Lauderdale) it is actually native -- and we are solidly in Zone 10b. And for the past couple of years it has become the bane of my gardening existence! A vacant property across the street has become overgrown with all sorts of biomass, and one of the main culprits is Virginia Creeper. It has taken over a couple of large oak and black-olive trees as well as buckling a wooden fence. It has also grown up a utility pole, completely smothering it, as well as coming across the wires over the street to my utility pole. To top it off, it is aggressively seeding into my yard, in every nook and cranny. My lot is heavily wooded with live o... read more |
Negative | On Sep 10, 2019, JudyBick from Richmond, VA wrote: It's very disheartening to see all the posters who don't believe people can be harmed by this plant. A quick internet search would bring up plenty of data that the raphides in Virginia Creeper (and other plants such as Agave and Dieffenbachia) can cause a horrible reaction in some people. |
Negative | On Jul 7, 2019, barrenelly from Norwich, My neighbour has Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) growing on his property but next to my outbuildings, in Norwich, England, UK. It has invaded around three sides, come through a solid wall, pops up everywhere nearby and is completely uncontrollable. I used to think it was beautiful in autumn, climbing over my roof; that was, until it pulled tiles off! |
Neutral | On Aug 31, 2018, yrrej from El Paso, TX wrote: Here in El Paso, Texas, we see many different cultivars of this plant. It is the best vine, given the right cultivar, to cover a fence from top to bottom. It does require regular watering here but is not particularly invasive. Often one sees this vine here planted with English ivy in order to get coverage year around since this ivy drops its leaves in the winter. |
Negative | On Jun 10, 2018, dwcouch from Knoxville, TN (Zone 7a) wrote: I'm quite shocked that people actually WANT this vine. |
Positive | On Jul 23, 2017, angelina775 from Sacramento, CA wrote: I like this. Thanks for sharing with us. I use hedge trimmer for cutting hedge properly. Here is the link http://www.hedgetrimmerinfo.com/ can you tell me. Easy way to trim hedges properly? |
Negative | On Jul 14, 2017, tattoomom2 from Advance, NC wrote: A further word of caution to everyone regarding this vine. My husband has unfortunately experienced a severe reaction to this vine three times. The first time was two years ago and we thought it was poison ivy, though the itching was much worse and it seemed to last a longer time. The second time he had been pulling Virginia creeper vines from the trees they were strangling on the border of our woods. He wore gloves and a long sleeve shirt, and jeans and boots. The shirt had a hole near the elbow and the jeans a hole above the knee. He got the rash in these specific areas and didn't tell me (I am a doctor, but he doesn't always tell me about "minor" things.) it is VERY hard to resist scratching this rash, as the irritation from the crystals and sap combination is worse than the urushiol oi... read more |
Neutral | On May 15, 2017, lightyellow from Ponte Vedra Beach, FL wrote: These are one of my favorite native plants because growing up my favorite movie was Land Before Time and the leaves on them looked like the "tree stars" that Littlefoot loved. That being said, there are a lot of pros and cons to them: |
Negative | On Oct 10, 2016, booksb4bread from Huntsville, AL wrote: I have broken out several times over the past four years after removing Virginia creeper at work, but only realized it was the cause this year. When I encountered it, I thought it was poison ivy, but the rash was not quite the same. Each time I have broken out I have a second reaction two or three months later with no additional contact. I am wondering if anyone here has had a similar experience. My theory is that some of the calcium oxalate crystals remain within the skin and after a period of time begin to cause more itching and when scratched, a full reaction occurs. Can anyone confirm this, or explain why a second reaction could occur with no re-exposure? |
Negative | On Feb 16, 2016, AbitaBB from New Orleans, LA wrote: It is a beautiful vine, however it is the epitome of "careful what you wish for" - the sap will make many breakout like poison ivy and it's every bit as invasive as poison ivy complete with little tendrils that will drill in wood, stucco, and more, leaving minute holes that eventually cause problem. I've had it invade several places I've lived and I would NEVER invite the plant unless in a stainless plant pot with no drainage holes. It spreads by root, will choke out most plantings if allowed to move in. It will absolutely strangle a landscape. I'd put it on a level with uncontrolled Kudzu. |
Negative | On Jun 22, 2015, dmcwriter from Centreville, VA wrote: When I was a young girl, I occasionally got a rash from poison ivy but was never super-sensitive to it. Then when I was about 28, I pulled a Virginia Creeper plant out of my front yard, where it was threatening to climb up our steps. It never occurred to me that it could be toxic. It was a very hot, humid day and I kept brushing the sweat off my face with my bare hands--yes, stupid, I know! A few days later, I broke out into the worst itchy rash I've ever had in my life. It was everywhere that I'd touched my hands to my skin before taking a shower--including all over my face and neck. It took a couple trips to the dermatologist, some meds and about six weeks before it went away. The itching was so maddening, I'd jump into a cold shower at 2am just to get some momentary relief! The pl... read more |
Negative | On Apr 29, 2015, Mel_danielle from Powells Point, NC wrote: My husband and I purchased a bank owned property with an acre of land surrounded entirely by overgrown greenery. There was already Virginia creeper all over the trees and chain link fence when we bought it and it has been a constant struggle. It had already strangled and deprived light in a number of trees and I removed the dead ones first. I cut back the vines on trees and fencing as I could but it seemed to grow back quicker than I could keep up with it. I've handled the plant many times while cutting it back with no issues. This week I spent a few days outside really cleaning up some of the overgrown vines but a couple days later I began having bumps pop up on my arm. Not quite as nasty of bubbles or as close together as poison ivy, sumac, or oak. At first i thought it must be a couple ... read more |
Positive | On Apr 13, 2015, coriaceous from ROSLINDALE, MA wrote: This is a beautiful but aggressive climber. It's native here, so it isn't invasive (harmful to the ecology), but it can be too aggressive for use in a mixed border, and while I like climbers on trees and large shrubs, this isn't one I'd use in a garden. |
Negative | On Apr 13, 2015, virgcreeped from Brooklyn, NY wrote: This vine was covering the side of the house the leaves have not come out yet as it is the beginning of spring. So i decided to pull the main vine off the house.I tugged on it very hard and it gave. I broke a a couple of other pieces in half and that was it. |
Negative | On Aug 5, 2014, MWBSky from Richmond, MI wrote: Well, it is pretty but ... |
Negative | On Jul 13, 2014, gardengirlinmd from Hagerstown, MD wrote: I have lived in the east for 15 years and have been weeding the seedlings of this highly invasive and prevalent weed by hand almost everyday of the growing season. After reading this I will definitely be using gloves. Fortunately I have not had a reaction, but I believe those of you who tell your stories of no reaction for many years and then having a reaction. This is common with poison ivy and many other chemicals or allergens |
Negative | On Jul 6, 2014, MaryArneson from Minneapolis, MN (Zone 4b) wrote: I hadn't realized that people can have a bad reaction to the oxalate crystals in this vine. I'll be careful when trying to remove it from our house. We had allowed it to cover our north wall, and we enjoyed the lush green summer foliage and the gorgeous red fall colors. What we didn't like is the way it grew out onto the electric wires, requiring professional removal, and the way it clogs the gutters and promotes ice dam formation. It has to go! |
Positive | On Jan 18, 2014, Rickwebb from Downingtown, PA wrote: It is a pretty vine climbing by tendrils or a groundcover with excellent red autumn color. However, like most vines, including those sold at nurseries as wisterias, trumpetvines, small-flowered clematis, English-Ivy, etc., It is best in landscapes to keep vines isolated from other plants, buildings, and other stuff on a fence or trellis surrounded by lawn or mulch with nothing else growing in it. I have never had any bad reaction to touching this species, but some have reported bad allergic reactions. Its 5-leaflet compound leaves are different from the thicker, shinier, 3-leaflet compound leaves of Poison-Ivy, though very young Virginia Creepers can have some three-parted leaves for awhile. |
Positive | On Oct 3, 2013, Daphne36 from Cushing, ME wrote: OMg (oh my goodness)! I was taken aback by the negative views of this wonderful plant. My disappointment of moving to Maine, semi-rural woods and meadow environment, and not finding Va. creeper, was alleviated when I planted a bit. This is a plant which plays a vital role in nature, if not your yard. It is beautiful, and in the woods or wild margins should not be removed. Invasive? I haven't seen that... invasives that I have seen, honeysuckles, multiflora rose, autumn olive, suburbanites who arrive with a full supply of Round-Up, these worry me. However, anyone who has had an adverse highly-allergic reaction should obviously avoid the "culprit". It's going too far to label such a plant "evil", or suggest that it shouldn't be planted, when it belongs in a way that none of us will, ... read more |
Negative | On Jul 21, 2013, NorthSC from North, SC (Zone 8a) wrote: In 2012 this plant went from absolutely absent to absolutely present on all my properties that are miles away. I also noticed a lot of comments on Virginia Creeper on here are dated 2012. Several people told me there is a conspiracy, where this plant's seeds were recently dropped from airplanes onto millions of acres across the country for certain environmental or unknown reasons. |
Positive | On May 24, 2013, PupillaCharites from Jacksonville, FL (Zone 9a) wrote: I am reading about various home remedies to treat alleged "allergic" reactions to Virginia Creeper and wanted to give those people who have problems with it something to think about. It is better described as a "Chemical Irritant Contact Dermatitis". This is very different, initially; from allergies to urushiol dermatitis from Poison Ivy which is an organic liquid that gets absorbed into the skin and then systemically causing a global immune response. |
Neutral | On May 17, 2013, Asdfgr wrote: A recently purchased VC, nobody's allergic yet. Not throwing it away, but will warn anybody going through my house to not TOUCH the vine. See how it does. Atcually, if you have this plant, is not doing damage to any other plant/housing/other-things and you like the plant's apearance, but you're allergic, you can just leave it and water it WITHOUT touching the plant! No offence to the people who are allergic, it's like being allergis to peanuts. |
Negative | On May 6, 2013, Jajawakef from Wake Forest, NC wrote: Also @ bubbleyum. Beware of this plant! I know what poison ivy looks like so when I first encounter Va Creeper/Woodbine I wasnt concerned. It was growing on my fence when I lived in Jax Florida. I did get a itchy rash from it so I used gloves to try and remove it later. |
Positive | On Aug 17, 2012, Belen1648 from Belen, NM wrote: Live in mid NM and love the hardiness of this green vine during our hot hot summers. Have a question. Does this vine produce a toxicity that makes it incompatible with certain vegetables? I have the creeper growing on a fence. I dug a vegetable bed about 3' feet from the creeper. The eggplants, squash and tomatoes are thriving. My green bean didn't. Before I explore other reasons, I am wondering if there's a possibility that an incompatibility may exist. |
Negative | On Aug 9, 2012, cuthugas from Despard, WV wrote: @ Bubble Yum |
Neutral | On Jul 24, 2012, LakeViewFlorist from Chicago, IL wrote: I don't usually post comment but since there's so many negatives about this plant. I just wanna share my 2c. |
Negative | On Jul 8, 2012, justsaynotovacreeper from Moultrie, GA wrote: MEDICAL TREATMENT FOR VIRGINIA CREEPER EXPOSURE |
Negative | On Jul 2, 2012, neverknew from New Berlin, NY wrote: Be aware of this plant!! I never knew of it until it was to late, I did a small patch of weedeating, and this plant was in the patch, I was shirtless at the time, this was a friday morning, saturday it was turning red and irritated, sunday turning to blisters, monday=unbearable!!!! Even though I was wearing sunglasses, my eyes are very dry and burn, and blisters keep coming.... I will post a picture of the plant and the results to my skin reaction, please check them out. |
Negative | On Jun 23, 2012, Sandwichkatexan from Copperas Cove, TX wrote: It was growing wild on the empty acres next to us , It has now spread everywhere . it pops up in my flowerbeds but I still pull it up everytime I see it . It is quite an annoyance . |
Negative | On Jun 8, 2012, LMays62 from Chesapeake, Ohio, I registered for this site specifically to share my experience with this horrible plant! My husband and I have been trying to help his elderly parents clean up around their property, and they repeatedly warned us about the "poison ivy" covering the back of their house. I knew this was not poison ivy when I first saw it. I know poison ivy, and this vine had 5-lobed leaves rather than 3, so every time they warned us, I repeated that it was not poison ivy and was nothing to worry about. After a Google search, I identified the vine as Virginia Creeper, and everything I read initially indicated it was often confused with poison ivy, but was harmless. I assured them of what I had learned, and proceeded to tear the vine off the back of the house. This was on Sunday. On Monday, I started ge... read more |
Negative | On Jun 3, 2012, bonnigrrl from Lakewood Park, FL wrote: Virginia Creeper is distinct. It is not Poison Ivy. It is worse. |
Negative | On May 21, 2012, camarojen from Waterloo, IA wrote: I have had this plant in our yard since the day I moved in two years ago. I've been battling it ever since. This plant grows in about every type of environment. It has killed out a number of plants and is working on a tree now too. I am very allergic to this plant. If I barely touch it at all, three days later I will be at the doctors office getting steroids and corticosteroids. This plant has now taken over about 1/8-1/4 of my yard and we have 3/4 of an acre. I am deathly afraid of this plant. I suggest everyone I know to stay away from this plant. My fiance isn't allergic to it thankfully. I'm afraid to go into several parts of my yard because of it. It starts out as little bumps and then spreads. Both times my skin has turned beet red and has swollen up about 1/4 of an inch ... read more |
Positive | On May 15, 2012, ladyangel4 from Round Hill, VA wrote: Simply brushing against this plant (and Trumpet creeper which also has the crystals) and then washing with Dawn soap/cold water as a precaution is fine in my experience. After reading so many stories, it's clear breaking the vines and leaves by weeding and pulling CAN be DANGEROUS, releasing those crystals. |
Negative | On Apr 21, 2012, emilierowe from North Valley, NM wrote: I have been in my house 24 years and have fought virginia creeper from chopping it down from the telephone pole to replacing destroyed fences and removing it from flower beds and trees. I had noticed an itching on my hands after working with the removal Three days ago I found a remnant in my euonymous(sp?) and in my honeysuckle so I began removing the virginia creeper. The next morning, I woke up with subcutaneous bumps. After my attempt treatments from my vast years of being an allergic person, I realized nothing I did helped and was worse by the next day. I looked like I had been beaten, purple and red in the face, swollen and had hives near my eyes. I went to the doctor and have been on steriods, antihistimines, anti-itch pills and cream. (Now, on the fourth day, I just look ruddy.) I h... read more |
Negative | On Apr 18, 2012, vossner from East Texas, not a problem in my garden, but I yank it the second I see it. |
Neutral | On Apr 17, 2012, SRMColo from Brookside, CO wrote: Plants.usa.gov provides more definitive information about Virginia Creeper causing rashes: "Some literature suggests that Virginia Creeper is not poisonous, but the sap of the plant contains oxalate crystals and can cause skin irritation and rashes in some people." More information can be found from this authoritative source @ http://plants.usda.gov/plantguide/pdf/pg_paqu2.pdf |
Negative | On Apr 15, 2012, ellis9899 from Lexington, SC wrote: While Virginia Creeper is often confused with poison ivy, this does not mean someone with a rash from 'weeding' is confused where they got it from! I just bought a new home with established landscaping that has been neglected for about 2 years. The wooded areas of the lot had both poison ivy and Virginia creeper and the garage door was covered by VC. While I was aware of the oils in poison ivy (which I already knew I was highly allergic to) I have never heard of anything about a reaction from Virginia creeper. |
Negative | On Mar 29, 2012, jeffllind from Concord, KY wrote: I am the facility manager for a domestic violence shelter here in western Kentucky. It is an old estate and has a lot of trees. One of the first things that I noticed was the vines on the trees and fences. I identified the plant as Virginia creeper, not poison oak or poison ivy. I began removing it and developed a rash which I attributed to missing some poison ivy that may have been mixed with it. The next incident was a widespread chemical burn from incidental contact with a cut vine. I cannot comprehend how this plant has never been classified as hazardous, the symptoms and spread are worse than I've ever seen with poison oak or poison ivy. |
Positive | On Feb 10, 2012, BubbleYum from Feasterville-Trevose, PA wrote: Virginia Creeper is nativie to North Americia & it’s vital to wildlife (birds etc) as a food with its berries. Also an FYI, the sheer ignorance with negative comments is really shameful. Virginia Creeper can be weedy in some areas, this is very true. Total brush killer can help remove it if you have this problem where you live/work. But people are mixing this plant up with Poison Ivy as it often grows mixed in with the Poison Ivy. Or some people just mis-identify the vine all together. This is why people get rashes, as they are being exposed to Poison Ivy. Again, most people that come onto blogs mean well, as they just want to get the information out. But unfortunately here, people are unknowingly misrepresenting the facts. True... |
Neutral | On Dec 30, 2011, wormfood from Lecanto, FL (Zone 9a) wrote: Reading the comments about the allergic reactions, I had to mention that my itch and bite and oozing of yellow, etc., was due to chiggers. Something to keep in mind at your next outbreak. |
Negative | On Nov 30, 2011, ZapCreeper from Peoria, IL wrote: Virginia Creeper is responsible for my skin rash that has been spreading and is unbearably itchy. |
Negative | On Sep 26, 2011, itchyinoklahoma from Jones, OK wrote: I need to chime in about this vine. We live in Oklahoma and cleared an acreage to build a house, and this vine was part of the scenery. I've cleared it from different places, and had to be careful as got a rash, even though it only had three leaves. Didn't know what it was... |
Negative | On Jul 29, 2011, Phone_Guy from Bridgeport, MI wrote: My wife was cleaning out an overgrown flower bed and ,unknown to her, there was Virginia Creeper vine in among the tall weeds she was pulling out. She knows well enough that we have poison ivy around our house but we knew nothing about virginia creeper. She had a delayed reaction to it. A day later she started breaking out in red marks and then they turned to raised blisters. Because she was in shorts, tanktop and sneakers the blisters are everywhere. We found information on this site to scrub with Dawn dish soap and bathe in baking soda and white vinegar but this has not resolved the red rash. It has dried up the blisters. That was 5 days ago. It is dried up but refuses to heal. She is going to Redi Med this afternoon. We will be vigilant at destroying this plant from here on! |
Positive | On Jul 20, 2011, tremuloides from Jackson, WY wrote: I have a big Virginia Creeper that extends all across the top of my 2-car garage and across the windows of the next room. I love it, it hangs down over the garage and makes it look like the bat cave. I was surprised to hear people say it can cause a rash. I have never had any problem with it, and have lived with this plant for 16 years. It even survives Wyoming winters where it can reach -40 farenheit. |
Negative | On Jul 20, 2011, jolynn76 from Saint Marys, WV wrote: I have never, never been allergic to poison ivy. I raised 3 children in the Mid-Ohio Valley region of West Virginia, and treated them many times for poison ivy exposure--washing them, washing their clothes--and never had a problem. |
Negative | On Jul 9, 2011, majickmann from Fairview, TN wrote: I grew up on a farm in Kentucky and have plenty of experience with poison ivy and poison oak. |
Negative | On Jul 3, 2011, glendad from Mohnton, PA wrote: Please please think twice about planting Virginia creeper. It is a pretty ground cover, but it can also be highly invasive and very painful for people who are allergic to it. This summer Virginia creeper got in to the rock pile the dog play area. It grew quickly. Before I had a chance to get it out of the area I found a spot on my legs cover in red blisters where the dog laid his head. Not quite sure what was happening I check the play area and the only vine I found was the Virginia Creeper. The dog of course by that time had rubbed his body on my legs. I gave him a bath and now have it on my wrists. In the process of pulling it out i got more blisters on my ankles. Not fun. |
Negative | On Jun 28, 2011, jrsweetpea1 from Joffre, PA wrote: run, don't walk! as fast & as far as you can!, buy some roundup, gloves & get it the heck out of your yard! i live i sw pa & it takes over everywhere, through ground cover, lawns, etc, also am allergic & thought i was getting into "something else" , good luck!!! |
Negative | On Jun 22, 2011, smokindog from SYBERTSVILLE, PA wrote: I will agree with all those who say this is a beautiful plant. Does little to no damage to vertical surfaces although it can harm other plants. The fall colors are gorgeous. |
Negative | On Jun 7, 2011, dgmersch from La Salle, IL wrote: This plant is toxic. Like the song lyrics, "You are Going to Need an Ocean of Calamine Lotion" if you are exposed and do not treat your exposure properly. My experience is new and recent. Vines were climbing the side of my brick house and wow what a rash on my inner arms. I blamed the poor dog for bringing poison ivy home from our walks in the woods. This looks like poison ivy but it is not so don't treat it the same. Calamine and Hydrocortisone won't help. Pills and steroids and shots are a bad idea. Here is what I did and I see improvement in one day. Again this is not poison ivy. Rather this is a chemical poisoning. The rash will look like small intensive bumps at every pore with mild exposure, or with extreme exposure big blisters. |
Negative | On May 24, 2011, laura93 from Chesapeake, VA wrote: Stay away from Virginia Creeper!!! We moved to southeastern Virginia about 3 years ago, and have battled with creeper since we moved in. It is much like poison ivy, but instead of oils it has crystals. It causes a severe rash, though probably not to everyone (for example, I can roll in poison ivy and it won't affect me, but this stuff...). My daughter has missed school for a week now because she was exposed to creeper and has a severe itchy rash all over her arms, hands and face, and her face is terribly swollen. Each member of our family that has been exposed to it has had severe reactions - the effects take weeks to get rid of. It's not worth it - stay away from Virginia Creeper! |
Negative | On May 22, 2011, wforrest from Ellenboro, NC wrote: I have lived on my property in W-NC for 30 years. It has only been the last 5 or 6 years that VC has begun invading my land. It has appeared in my azalea bed and my 20 year old blueberry bushes and forsythia. It winds its way up the stems of the bushes then forms a canopy over the plant shading the azaleas and blueberries and forsythia from the sun. Not a good thing if you expect to enjoy the flowers or the berries. Tried pulling but by the time you unwind it from the stems it usually breaks off and in the blueberries it comes out of the ground in between the canes making it impossible to get out of ground. I have sprayed roundup on the vines that run out across the ground and it does kill the vine but fails to go into the root for kill. The only thing I can think of that would worse would... read more |
Positive | On May 22, 2011, karate626 from Laurel, MD wrote: While this does spread fast I love it! I think it looks beautiful and it is native. It has amazing Autumn colours! Looks great in my yard! Not to hard for me to control. |
Positive | On May 20, 2011, FlyPoison from Rock Hill, SC (Zone 7a) wrote: A beautiful creeping vine that really adds beauty to a woodland area. I prefer to plant this native in light-full shade. Turns beautiful in the fall and does very well with other native. The berries attract birds which is a nice benefit as well. |
Negative | On May 17, 2011, bctiii from Mount Holly, NC wrote: Bad!!! Bad!!! Weed What ever you do not plant it, the birds will do it for you. I have been pulling it off everything and out of everything all my life. |
Negative | On May 17, 2011, spicydog from Homestead, FL wrote: Just another weedy vine here in south Florida. If you are looking for a low maintenance yard keep this vine out of the mix. It climbs up you house and leaves marks on stucco where its claspers were holding on to wall. it climbs up chain link fences and then covers them. it climbs up small trees and covers them. So far i am not allergic to the darn stuff just poison ivy. |
Negative | On May 17, 2011, esteve59 from Annapolis, MD wrote: I know so far there is 83 negatives,,,,I might as well join in,,,,, |
Negative | On May 16, 2011, holly47 from Englewood, FL (Zone 10a) wrote: This plant is FEROCIOUSLY INVASIVE. Also, many people ARE allergic to it... including me! Personally, I find offensive those comments posted here that imply that anyone who claims to be allergic, is simply unable to identify poison oak, ivy, and sumac. This is absolutely UNTRUE. It is also thoughtless and unkind. Just because you personally are NOT allergic to something, and you happen to LIKE that particular plant, does not give you the right to mock and/or discredit others' suffering. |
Neutral | On May 16, 2011, horsefethers from Calgary, Alberta, Virginia Creeper is not native to our region (just north of the border and east of the Rockies) but grows well and is used as a cover for many areas..verandas, fences, fireplaces, etc. The only thing I don't like about it is the leaf hoppers that infest it from time to time and make it very unattractive. I think some people have misidentified their vines. |
Positive | On May 16, 2011, rosewood513 from Lanoka Harbor, NJ (Zone 7a) wrote: I love this vine, I have enough room for it to grow and I love how it frames the steps of my deck. It can be invasive that is true but I just love vines. By the end of the summer I have a blanket of creeper on the railings of my deck and on my front fence. |
Negative | On May 16, 2011, Munga from Weatherford, TX wrote: Virginia Creeper grows wild and invasive here in my neck of the woods. I've never had a reaction to it and I have the most sensitive skin on the planet. I'm not taking any chances though, I will always use gloves when dealing with it. My complaint is its invasiveness. I work very hard at keeping my yard pretty. I love shade gardening and my backyard is the perfect backdrop for my passion. However, Virginia Creeper pops up in all of my flower beds. One of my neighbors refuses to control it and it threatens to take over my yard every year. |
Negative | On Mar 21, 2011, Patiolover from Hagerstown, MD wrote: This is a horribly invasive vine. I and my son have both been fighting this villain for years! We cannot get rid of it. It is not growing up the fences (chainlink) but rather out into the yards. We get a slight rash from it but not as bad as poison ivy--I have gotten rid of the poison ivy in my yard, but we cannot get rid of the VC. Who in their right mind would want to actually go out and BUY this stuff! |
Positive | On Feb 26, 2011, PlantFanatic56 from Bridger, MT wrote: I know this plant is a vigorous grower, but its truly a beautiful plant, especially in fall when it turns a scarlet red. I think its bad reputation is undeserved. Just keep it trimmed and weed the seedlings like you would anyways and its pretty tame in my neck of the woods. And it provides great shade. And I'd never heard of anyone having a reaction to this plant until I read the comments, no one I know has had a reaction. |
Negative | On Oct 4, 2010, mwhill from Atlantic Beach, FL wrote: I sit here today with a terrible oozy rash all over my right arm and hand. This is the 3rd or 4th time this year that this has happened, and prior to this week I assumed that I had accidentally pulled on some poison ivy while working in the yard. However, after removing a lot of VC this week, I am certain that it is what has caused my rash. I had always heard that VC was not toxic like poison ivy, but I am here to tell you that that is not true! |
Positive | On Sep 24, 2010, LizRobbins from Boerne, TX (Zone 8b) wrote: I think VC is fantastic, a lush dark green vine that loves to climb trees and provides great red/yellow Fall color. |
Negative | On Sep 22, 2010, michiganlover from White Pigeon, MI wrote: We bought a house in southwest Michigan about a year ago. All five acres were covered with a very invasive vine. We thought it was kudzu at first because it was everywhere! Almost all of the trees were covered and many were dead. The vines were almost 3" thick on some trees. It hangs off many of our trees, like rope. We spent the first year just clearing the trees. And of course, its back. I'm sure we will never get rid of this awful vine. |
Negative | On Sep 20, 2010, themikeman from Concord, NC (Zone 7a) wrote: Always thought this vine which covers my 80 ft tall white oakes in the back of my farm property in rural NC was poison oak vine...too bad it's not because the rash you can get from this stuff along with burning eyes and itching and fever even when cutting it while wearing gloves and a face mask!!! is much worse and longer lasting then poison oak if you are allergic to it{me}; and it is much more invasive as it can coat trees over 150 feet tall and kill them after about 20 years from lack of sunlight and strangulation..looks pretty in the summer like something you'd see in a steaming tropical rainforest..but BEWARE..stay away from this stuff even with gloves on!!! |
Negative | On Aug 4, 2010, journeywalker228 from Marlborough, CT wrote: I finally figured out what is giving me burning eyes, a sunburn look on my face along with an outrageous itch. It's also on my legs, arms, fingers, in between my fingers, my neck, chest and in my ears! I think my view on VC is not good. It is also very invasive. That's why I had such a grand time ripping it out of my yard, not knowing what it was. It didn't look like poison ivy to me: more that three leaves, no shine; so I just kept ripping and following those relentless vines everywhere!! I was having fun! LOL. Not too much fun now. I cannot, for the life of me, figure out why anyone would want to spend their money on a plant like this. There are so many other beautiful plants out there, why VC? The allergic reaction will definitely leave scars. I'm on prednisone now along with another it... read more |
Negative | On Jul 28, 2010, LakePlacidFL from Lake Placid, FL wrote: Okay, to all of you who say the people “complaining” about rashes from this are mistaking poison ivy for creeper, you are completely, totally incorrect. This plant can be maddening to many people (more than you’d guess). In fact, many cases of poison ivy are actually creeper rashes – just look at many here saying they thought they had ivy, but figured out it was creeper (ivy is the “easy” diagnoses). |
Positive | On Jul 15, 2010, mystic_one from Austin, TX wrote: This plant and I shared life during my childhood years in a small town outside of Pittsburgh, PA. I grew up in the same house that my great-grandfather lived in. My grandmother was a little girl there. And, for as long as anyone can remember, the front porch wore a thick "awning" of Virginia creeper. And not only our house....but other homes nearby had the same thing. Very cool in summer. Lots of little purple berries that the birds loved. Every spring we loved looking for the little nests that birds would build in it. For me, my friends and I loved playing on the front porch and the vine would play an important part in our play.....we would "chop" the leaves for pretend salad....we would use leaves in crafts. And NEVER ONCE DID I EVER GET A RASH OR BUMPS!!! |
Negative | On Jun 24, 2010, satkins from (Zone 6a) wrote: I can't believe people intentionally plant this impossibly invasive vine. It does turn kind of a pretty red in the fall. That said, I have spent countless hours trying to remove this weed from the yard/bushes/trees/lawns of several houses in the SLC area in which I have lived since childhood. Beware if you plant this: it will creep into neighbor's yards and it is very, very hard to get rid of if not wanted ( zone 5/6 here). |
Negative | On Jun 24, 2010, aquilusdomini from Jackson, MI wrote: While it does have pretty red leaves in autumn, i absolutely loathe this plant for everything else it is. It started invading our backyard from a parking-lot next door a few years back and has since taken over 3 trees and the entire back fence. Every year i rip down the vines and thankfully i'm not yet allergic to it. I've tried killing it with vegetation killer, with hacking up its roots, and with deleafing it so it won't photosynthesize but nothing kills it. Every year it comes back with a brutal vengeance. It's an evil, evil plant. It's not easily trained so it attempts to take over anything and everything it can get its little tendrils on. I don't recommend this plant unless you've got a big rock wall and lots of time to devote to pruning it. And whatever you do, don't let your... read more |
Negative | On Jun 20, 2010, nykilane from Baton Rouge, LA wrote: Is is a beautiful plant? ABSOLUTELY. Is it good for the environment? SURE IT IS. Do I want to have it my yard? NO. |
Positive | On Jun 11, 2010, natureboy420 from Carson City, NV wrote: I absolutely love this plant. It isn't native to Nevada that I know of. But it seems to grow extremely well here. The plant has more of a tree like stalk than an ivy. In my opnion. It's been growing at my house my entire life and no one has ever had any allergic reactions to it at all. And the leaves don't have crystals on them. I handle it all the time. Weavng it around the apple trees and in the fence. The red color it turns in the fall is gorgeous. |
Neutral | On Jun 10, 2010, adiapalic from Spartanburg, SC wrote: plantnation has a point about respecting ecosystems and plants in their natural environment. I try and live by this sentiment by not unnaturally altering my property with bulldozers. I live on 14 acres in upstate South Carolina, and I'd hazard a guess that about 80%+ of that land is running wild. I'll let Virginia Creeper grow wherever it wants down in that area, but when it creeps into my gardening areas in the yard where I come in contact with soil and roots, it has to be removed. |
Negative | On Jun 4, 2010, awaycreeper from Sewickley, PA wrote: My husband is severely allergic to this stuff and the berries are very toxic to humans if eaten but edible to some animals. The crystals on the leaves are what can cause skin irritation/ bumpy rash/blisters. My husband now covers his whole body to do yard work. I am now experiencing it for the first time. I think I either got it when bathing thedogs or when I fell on someone else's property. My husband knew what it was as soon as I showed him. It is very annoying and all over my hands. No One should purposely plant this stuff. I knew it was poisonous so I always stay away from it. I will be wearing gloves to bathe the dogs in the future. |
Negative | On May 28, 2010, trflan from Horseshoe Bay , TX (Zone 8b) wrote: WARNING. Last summer I posted the below description of Virginia Creeper and mentioned that it was growing on our aviary. We had about 20 cockatiels and now we're down to 8. At first we thought it was our unusually hot summer and unusually cold winter but then I read the following..... |
Negative | On May 25, 2010, Dimmerdiva from North Haven, CT wrote: I found it amazing that there are people who would actually purchase and plant this noxious weed! There are definitely people who are not sensitive to the chemical in the creeper's creepy leaves and others, like me, who are extremely sensitive to it. One of my stepdaughters and her husband and my next door neighbors can pull the stuff out with their bare hands and suffer no consequences. Believing them when they told me it's only poision ivy and oak that cause the blisters and rash, I touched some of it a couple of days ago and then accidentally touched my ear, and some brushed against the top of my ankle, and now I have the awful itch, again! And, believe me, I know the difference between poison oak, poison ivy and creeper, and we have all three on our property with creeper in the maj... read more |
Negative | On May 17, 2010, descoladavirus from Lexington, KY wrote: Virginia creeper plant grows along the sides of my house and garage, had to remove because spiders were using it as a stair to get in windowsills and creeping everyone out. |
Positive | On Mar 28, 2010, robmtexas from Austin, TX wrote: virginia creeper is a great ground cover for low light areas in the south west usa, it is a host plant for different bugs and it doesn't need a lot of water. Around texas there is a seven leaf and five leaf variety. Apparently many people are mixing it up with poison ivy since it is highly unlikely that as all the negative comments infer that it causes a high number of allergic reactions. |
Negative | On Mar 26, 2010, plant_tender from De Pere, WI wrote: When we first purchased our property, we had this vine growing up one of our 50' tall trees, on the edge of our pond. It looked sort of neat ... like a jungle plant, with thick 1" vines, etc., so initially, we left it grow. It wasn't too long before we realized this plant was dangerously invasive & nearly impossible to kill off, even by spot treating it with round-up. It pops up underground, many feet away from the main plant & seeks to choke out any & every; tree, bush, plant, which it can climb up on. It tends to sprout up, from under ground, right near the roots, or trunk of any other; tree, bush, plant, ... making it very risky to treat it with round-up. Year after year it more vigorously returned. The hopes of destroying it seemed an impossible venture, ... until we learned ... |
Negative | On Oct 13, 2009, Cbaumberge from Evansville, IN wrote: After enjoying a mild 4th of July 2008 weeding my flower beds, I developed a major breakout of contact dermatitis, thinking I had gotten poison ivy of off the fur on my dogs who enjoyed a romp thru the woods near our house, I treated it as such. On the 3rd day the rash exploded into a mass of oozing blisters totally covering my arm from elbow to wrist 1/3 inch thick!!!. The most intense itch I had ever experienced, I went thru 3 rounds of prednisone dosepacks, 3 steriod shots and it took 6 weeks to heal, leaving scars on my arm. During one of those sleepness nights early on I Googled Poison Ivy rash and discovered Virginia Creeper rash photos that looked just like my arm (And 6 other smaller places on my body) |
Negative | On Jul 21, 2009, weeddigger from Cincinnati, OH wrote: This plant is in several areas of my backyard. I tried to clean it up three weeks ago, tearing it out with my gloved hands. I got a terrible rash all over my legs. It looked like a second degree burn; very red and itchy with blisters that would burst and leak down my leg. I went to the doctor and he said it was the worse case he had seen in three years. He wouldn't even touch it. Steroids, benedryl, and cold compresses of epsom salt water helped dry it out, but it set off a chain reaction in my body that I'm still fighting; hives, swelling of the tongue, throat, lips, around the eyes, cheeks, etc. I guess I learned about this plant the hard way. |
Negative | On Jun 29, 2009, GrubBoy from Virginia Beach, VA wrote: My wife and I both have reactions to this plant; her's much more severe than mine. |
Positive | On Jun 27, 2009, plantnation from Kalispell, MT wrote: I have always loved Virginia Creeper. My uncle has it festooning the wide porch on the front of his house. It cascades in the most graceful way, and burns with that beautiful red in the fall. I have never in all my life known of anyone having a reaction to it until I read the comments on this site. |
Positive | On Jun 17, 2009, LindaTX8 from NE Medina Co., TX (Zone 8a) wrote: I love it! It looks great in fall, lit with the sun it then has an amazing flamelike color. No rash, not me or my family or anyone who has ever worked on the property and come in contact with it. Now, poison ivy is a different story! The worst I can say is that occasionally it gets into a garden bed and has to be removed. |
Positive | On May 13, 2009, DenverJude from Denver, CO (Zone 5b) wrote: I love this plant. |
Negative | On Apr 22, 2009, Earthart2000 from Dade City, FL wrote: I discovered Virginia Creeper last April when I ended up with a nasty rash on my ankles that the doctor thought was poison ivy. I Googled "poison Ivy" to get a photo and ended up on a website that showed pictures of Virginia Creeper which looks similar, except the leafing is in groups of five as opposed to three. I built a new home 2 years ago in a wooded area and have pine and oak trees at the perimeter of the lot and had been walking between these trees. Not only did I get the rash, I also got the chills and a fever of 101 degrees that lasted 3 days. It took about 3 weeks to get rid of the rash. |
Positive | On Apr 12, 2009, renwings from Sultan, WA (Zone 8a) wrote: "Raphide crystals of calcium oxalate have been reported in the leaves and berries of Virginia creeper. Fuller and McClintock (1986) stated that the quantities are small and that the irritant effect is usually not significant." |
Negative | On Mar 22, 2009, heartopensky from Beacon, NY (Zone 6b) wrote: While I agree with reviews regarding the gorgeous fall color, it is a menace to the skin of many. It does not contain urushiol like poison ivy, but rather oxalate crystals, which produce an identical reaction. |
Negative | On Jan 10, 2009, pyecombe from Laurel, DE wrote: I can't believe that companies actually sell this plant. It is an invasive weed. It grows in Delaware naturally. I walked my woods last year and found a 20 foot by 20 foot area that had been almost totally covered by this stuff, it had even grown up all the trees more than 10 feet high. It is almost as bad as kudzu. Do not add this to your garden, you will be sorry. |
Negative | On Oct 20, 2008, RockyTopGirl from Live Oak, FL wrote: I thankfully found this website one night while suffering from a terribly itchy red rash and could not sleep. I saw that a number of folks posted about the bad reaction they had, from handling Virginia Creeper. I thought, gee, that sounds like me! I had been helping my husband clear some woods, and was pulling the vines down from some oak trees. A short time later I started getting the itchy red rash which started on my abdomen. I used anti-itch remedies, and some gave temporary relief. It seems like I am finally getting a handle on the situation, probably just having to wait it out. It has been a week now. I finally can get some sleep, as I am starting to heal. |
Positive | On Sep 7, 2008, SteveS from New Carlisle, IN (Zone 5a) wrote: I can't believe how much this plant is confused with poison ivy! |
Positive | On Aug 20, 2008, evr from Toronto, ON (Zone 5b) wrote: I don't know about you guys, but I use this plant for bonsai. You can check out google and type in virginia creeper bonsai...I have it growing on my patio fence, it does need to be trimmed every other week as we don't want it climbing the house. |
Positive | On Jul 14, 2008, MtnGardener from Longmont, CO (Zone 5a) wrote: Many thanks to all that have posted how hardy this plant is. I'm trying to cover 900' of fence where there is no shade and everything else that's been planted has died from the terrible drying wind during the winter. We routinely get 60mph gusts and sustained winds of 35mph. So far it's survived being planted then immediately subjected to 100 degree temperatures. I'll report back in the fall if it survives. |
Positive | On Jul 8, 2008, yippee1999 from (Zone 6b) wrote: Hi all! I bought this plant about 2-3 months ago through mail order (can't remember the name of the company though). In any case, it came in about a quart size container, and was extremely healthy looking with a good size woody stem and other smaller ones growing off of it. |
Positive | On Jun 30, 2008, Sansevieria from Orangeburg, NY (Zone 6a) wrote: Virginia Creeper (lives in zones 2b-3 thru 9) is a North American native for walls, fences, etc that need cover-up. It is one of the few plants that will not damage bricks. It also makes a great bonsai and is readily available from local garden and plant nurseries. There is also a variegated version of this plant called Star Showers. |
Negative | On Jun 30, 2008, ItchyGirl from Leonardo, NJ wrote: this plant grows out of control in my yard; it grows on and around my other plants, fences, trees. I'm so glad to finally be able to identify it, thanks to your site! I'm highly allergic to it no matter how careful I am and end up getting steroids to get it under control. the reaction lasts for weeks! the sight of it frightens me but I have to pull it out or it would take over. I do not like it. |
Negative | On Jun 22, 2008, gobabysistergo from Granby, CT wrote: Virginia Creeper... so THAT'S what this stuff is... This plant is everywhere in my back yard and, boy, does this site explain a lot! Like another person shared, I'm in my mid 40's & had never had Poison Ivy in my life... I bought my beautiful little cottage in the CT woods last year & just started really "reclaiming" my back yard this season. I was pulling this "mystery vine" off of some of my trees & got, what I thought was, my first case of Poison Ivy. I had, after all, gotten several scratches which had broken the skin. Thankfully, I didn't have the nightmare rash some of you have described, but it still wasn't very pleasant! This vine is killing my trees & is taking over! But I don't back down very easily, myself... I'll use some of the tips I've gotten here today & keep at it! ... read more |
Neutral | On Jun 6, 2008, dee_cee from Birmingham, AL (Zone 7b) wrote: Everything said about this plant is true. It was growing in my yard when I bought the house so I've left it alone for the most part. My tortoises love to eat the leaves & they do provide nice color in the fall. |
Negative | On Jun 1, 2008, jleigh from Ballston Lake, NY (Zone 5a) wrote: PLANT AT YOUR OWN RISK. I can not stress that enough. |
Positive | On May 17, 2008, Jsorens from Buffalo, NY (Zone 6a) wrote: I love Virginia creeper. It's a great North American native vine that will spread to cover eyesores like my neighbor's chain-link fence! Fall color is its most ornamental feature. Native trees can handle it too. I can understand why people with formal gardens don't like it, but for my all-native wild garden it's essential. |
Negative | On May 7, 2008, tamee79 from Marion, SC wrote: I am so so glad to have found this website. Each year I end up in the doctor's office begging for a shot. That should tell you how bad it is. Like others have said on here, no one believed me when I would point to VC and say "that's it! that's what makes me have these reactions". |
Positive | On Dec 31, 2007, PghRPh from Apollo, PA wrote: We have this beautiful native vine growing on several of the trees in our yard. The leaves turn a vivid red in the fall (usually before the tree leaves do) which really makes it stand out. The virginia creeper berries (& poison ivy berries) are eaten by the birds, & I've read that it is a host plant for the larva of the Pandora sphinx moth. I would much rather have this on my property than tree-choking English Ivy. |
Positive | On Dec 20, 2007, Fledgeling from Huron, SD wrote: This is one of the few species of vines, other than the rare grape, that grow out here. Of the two this is the more attractive by far, and will be planting it to cover my chain-link fence next spring. This native species is not a problem in the area. |
Positive | On Oct 26, 2007, creekwalker from Benton County, MO (Zone 5a) wrote: I like this plant. It doesn't seem to be invasive to the point of wiping out other species of native plants, at least where I live, and it is beautiful in the fall! It is common here, but I wouldn't call it invasive. It's very pretty when you find it on a tree in the fall with it's deep red leaves and vine and purple berries. |
Positive | On Oct 23, 2007, Dotsy1 from Steamboat Springs, CO wrote: I LOVE this plant! The spacing of the leaf sets on the stems doesn't obscure a wall like some vines do. |
Negative | On Oct 9, 2007, Perenniallady from Otterville, ON (Zone 5b) wrote: I have had a experience with it's partner poison ivy.I planted it and boston ivy all around the yard first i made about 30 cuttings some was boston ivy but some poisonivy.I scratched my better half's back.oops We both had it for amonth.We got shots and pills.Then we found that jewel weed was a cure.It works.It sure was awful.I learned a good lesson.I worked at a nursery for 23 and should of known better .I did't know what it looked like til lately. |
Negative | On Oct 7, 2007, msbehavoyeur from Stockton, CA wrote: Extremely invasive. Beautiful fall color, none the less I do not want this plant in my garden. |
Negative | On Oct 4, 2007, bewareocreeper from Chelmsford, MA wrote: I wanted to add my thoughts to the other comments here. First thank you for this info from others regarding the rash this plant can cause, at least I have found out what my hidious rash is from. I live in Chelmsford, MA, I have seen this vine growing up and over some of the bushes in my yard. I could have swore that I had done chopping of this vine before, and maybe I have. But my most recent cutting of it, last thursday, resulted in my receiving the most horrible, hidious, itchy and blistery rash ever. It is absolutely gross!!! I have it the worst on my forearms, my left arm is worse than my right (I am left handed) On this arm the blisters have all 'joined' together and there is a patch on them. It's also on my legs in spots. I have been applying cortozone cream daily, taking Ben... read more |
Positive | On Oct 2, 2007, linskia from London, This plant grows here in the UK and looks very splendid trailing over the walls at Holland Park in Kensington. Until reading the comments on your site I was not aware of anyone having an allergy to it, though allergies to a lot of things are rather common these days. It certainly does not seem to be invasive here and where it does appear seems to be very balanced within the environment and in fact adds a splendid display of color and cascading and climbing forms. It was also mentioned to me by my tutor at art school in 1979 when I was painting a mural, he mentioned that the plant I was painting was in fact a Virginia Creeper and there was one growing outside his window (in London). As for allergies, I don't seem to have any problem with it, my allergy is to plane trees which line the stree... read more |
Positive | On Oct 2, 2007, roybird from Santa Fe, NM wrote: We have Virginia Creeper growing on our ugly chain-link fence; west exposure. It is hardy, doesn't take much extra water and I love the red foliage and blue berries in the fall. It has not been invasive here. No one I know is allergic to it. I'm glad to have it. |
Positive | On Sep 11, 2007, OutlawDJ from Middleburg, PA wrote: Virginia Creeper is really not evil. Actually, it is a very important food source for wildlife. Those who are allergic should not allow it to grow near their homes, but it isn't that hard to control. The runners that this plant puts out only run a couple of inches underground. Surrounding them with an underground barrier will keep them from spreading. Spraying with industrial strength vinegar will kill the plant. If the first spraying doesn't do the job, simply repeat. People who are allergic should have somebody else do this for them. If it starts to grow in an unwanted place, simply cut the portion that is above ground. When it can't get sun the roots will die. If it is growing up your trees, cut it off at the base and let the top portion die. Once the suckers rot away, it will either fa... read more |
Negative | On Sep 8, 2007, trihill from Ada, OK wrote: Thank goodness I found this site! Just a few days ago I removed a vine from the side of my house. I had let it grow because I thought it was pretty and I have always loved the old English houses with vines growing up them. However, it started to grow around the electric, cable and phone lines that go into our home and I was afraid it would cause problems. So I removed it and put it in our burn pile (which we burned that day). Later on that evening I felt some itchy areas on my face and around my stomach. I thought I had chiggers, a very common and nasty little critter in Oklahoma that will eat you alive. However, over the next couple of days I developed rashes and blisters all over my body. I thought it must be poison ivy, but I had been very careful when I weeded to watch out for ... read more |
Negative | On Aug 30, 2007, Chesler from Woburn, MA wrote: I found this page when I was looking at poison ivy links -- I've got the rash but couldn't find the plant. On the other hand, I learned that the 5-leafed vine that spreads by runner all across my back yard and climbs up my trees is this and that it makes some lucky folks appear to have poison ivy. I've let my back yard go natural in the 11 years I've lived here -- I figured it was easier on me and better for the birds -- but I've just decided I'd had enough of the Virginia creeper. It's going to be tough to get rid of, especially if I'm allergic to it. |
Positive | On Jul 12, 2007, VirginiaCreeper from Philidelphia, PA (Zone 6b) wrote: Great plant for fences & looks great... |
Negative | On Jul 4, 2007, Cherisse from Copeland, KS wrote: We're in zone 5a / 5b and this vine is threatening to ruin our trees by smothering them. It's so hard to get rid of that I can't imagine anyone wanting to plant it on purpose. There are other ways to get red foliage in the fall! :) Bird droppings spread this nuisance vine when they perch on trees / shrubs so beware. Keep an eye open for young plants so that they can be removed more easily. I spent 2 days crawling underneath a large evergreen tree trying to remove as much of the vine as possible, clipping the root below it's "bulb" but unable to dig the entire root up. I am guessing I have over 200+ evergreen trees on our place and am scared to even see how many more this vine might be under. Maybe Monsanto company will choose my yard to do a test sample on to see how effective thei... read more |
Negative | On Jun 3, 2007, samanthainpa from Oxford, PA wrote: I'm new to this site and I'd like to thank everyone for helping me identify this plant. |
Positive | On Jun 2, 2007, yarily_holp from Philadelphia, PA (Zone 6b) wrote: This is a good plant for certain uses. It can be quite invasive, but does have wildlife value, and the palmate-compound leaves are attractive with a finer texture than many other vines. The fruit is preferred by many birds, in particular thrush species like mockingbirds, catbirds, robins, wood thrushes, etc., and is useful to them during fall migration. The intense bright red fall color helps birds find the berries, and in turn the vine is spread in part by birds "planting" the seeds. |
Positive | On May 21, 2007, MrsHarris from Decatur, IL wrote: I have very fond memories of this plant growing up the posts on my grandmas front porch and was overjoyed to find a plant this week-end! The front of my house is always in the shade and I have an area I would like something to take over as ground cover. As well as a new front porch we are building and I would love for it to cover it! I agree with the others, it does what it is meant to do, and does it very well! I can't wait for the red leaves! Gorgeous! |
Neutral | On May 21, 2007, AuntieNancy from Minneapolis, MN wrote: I'm hoping to be able to change my neutral experience into a positive one. Two years ago I planted Virginia Creeper and Boston Ivy alternately to grow up an old, unsighly fence. I was hoping for a relatively quick "cover". However, it has neither invaded nor "crept" up the fence as hoped. Perhaps it needs a little help (chicken wire or other 'something to hold on to') |
Negative | On May 20, 2007, Lily_love from Central, AL (Zone 7b) wrote: I've these growing/volunteering in my woodland backyard. This spring I found one pops up on my front yard in place of my prized Pandora vine. Elk!!! I didn't know what they were for sure, until DG's i.d. forum leads me to this PF from a fellow gardener's common curiosity. Right of from the beginning, there are 9 vendors advertised for this plant. I guess, one man's weeds and dozen's treasures? I'll be careful from dealing with traders/vendors that offer such goods/plants. Thanks |
Negative | On May 17, 2007, lolamina from Verona, NJ wrote: As a Master Gardener, I am always reluctant to label plants 'invasive' because there are usually exceptions - heck, even bad guys have some good days! But take a drive along many wooded highways and look closely. Virginia Creeper leaves are one among many vine-species that you are actually looking at...not the poor host Oak, Maple, Elm, etc that is being choked to death! |
Neutral | On May 15, 2007, passiflora_pink from Central, AL (Zone 8a) wrote: This native plant can get out of bounds easily, especially in disturbed areas. But it has a beauty all its own in the fall. |
Positive | On May 12, 2007, JerusalemCherry from Dunellen, NJ (Zone 6b) wrote: *** Ever wonder how Virginia Creeper got its name? My best guess is someone from Virginia named it years ago. An old text book I have gives some good info on this plants name. Latin name is Parthenocissus quinquefolia, from greek parthenos (a virgin) and kissos (ivy) referring to the common name Virginia Creeper. The quinquefolia part meens with five leaves (leaflets). |
Positive | On Apr 30, 2007, rjean from Farmington, MO wrote: This plant resembles poison ivy, but has five leaves instead of three. Someone here said they couldn't tell it from grapes ... these two vines don't even look similar! Makes me wonder how many people with the negative comments have actually properly identified their vine. |
Neutral | On Apr 23, 2007, District826 from Frostproof, FL wrote: I just recently pulled up a massive amount of this plant behind the plant shop where I work. I took every precaution not to touch the plant, as I am known to have allergic reactions to many things. It was pulled as a precautionary measure because it can cause a rash, but it was very, very beautiful, especially the new growth. |
Negative | On Apr 13, 2007, dogmansis from Wimberley, TX (Zone 8a) wrote: The foliage in the fall is very pretty, but poison ivy blends in very well w/ this plant. I found out the hard way...covered frome head to toe & very miserable for a while. Be careful w/ this plant if you have poison ivy in your area! |
Neutral | On Apr 11, 2007, austringer84078 from Vernal, UT wrote: Not a problem in the high desert of Utah zone 4-5. If we want something to die we stop watering it, except for Russian Olive Trees. They will grow anywhere. My dad has had this vine growing on the side of his house for the last 45 years. Great shade cover. The only problem is that once it gets to the top of the house it just keeps on going and occasionally tries to explore under the shingles. Dad (now near 80 years old) goes up on the roof and cuts them back once or so a year. They have never tried to spread horizontally into the grass. With the only water coming from sprinklers and -30F winters it doesn't take much to control it here. |
Negative | On Mar 30, 2007, jadajoy from Newport News, VA (Zone 11) wrote: While spring cleaning the yard I noticed that my 8 foot azalea bush was dying on one side. Upon inspection I saw what looked like a demon vine wrapped around the branches choking it to death. My neighbor said it killed all his azaleas. l went to my local feed store and the expert there recommended a very expensive chemical product to use when (not if) it comes back. Not wanting to kill the bush I think I'll try the vinegar recommended here. Thanks to the posters for that info. I also found on the web that a certain caterpillar kills it too but that might be another problem in itself. (The Western grapeleaf skeletonizer. This is the caterpillar of a dark gray or metallic blue moth with a one inch wing span). I spent all morning pulling endless vines out of that bush but didnt have an aller... read more |
Neutral | On Mar 25, 2007, WUVIE from Hulbert, OK (Zone 7a) wrote: We have lived in the same home for about twelve years, |
Negative | On Jan 27, 2007, MsKatt from Charlevoix, MI (Zone 4b) wrote: I identified this plant when we bought our house 18 months ago. It is growing all through our woods, to the point of choking out our grapevines and some of the trees. |
Neutral | On Jan 6, 2007, Tetrazygia from Miami, FL (Zone 10b) wrote: This plant is aggressive in my area, but nothing too horrible. I can understand the frustrations of those who find it invasive, but it is important to remember it is SUPPOSED to be there. If some kind of human activity is lending advantage to the plant and creating an environment in which it will overpower other plants (when it otherwise wouldn't), then it is those human activities that need to change. |
Negative | On Sep 10, 2006, t_florida from Gainesville, FL wrote: You will be a garden "slave" if you decide to plant this in the South (USA). This vine is extremely invasive. Some people like it becuase it is host to several butterfiles. |
Negative | On Aug 31, 2006, Bexter from Woods Hole, MA wrote: Virginia creepers flattened several acres of woods where I grew up in New York. Where mature forest trees stood fifteen years ago is now low scrub with a vanguard of virginia creeper like some kind of space-slime invasion. |
Negative | On Aug 27, 2006, pirl from (Arlene) Southold, NY (Zone 7a) wrote: Terribly invasive. I'd rather spend my gardening time with the plants I love than trying to remove invasive plants. Thanks to all who wrote about the rash: now I'll wear gloves. |
Positive | On Aug 24, 2006, hellnzn11 from Rosamond, CA (Zone 8b) wrote: In our area high temps for 4 to 6 months are not out of the norm, it gets below freezing for atleast 2 to 4 months in the night, we have heavy clay soil and winds but this is a great plant if you properly plan where to put it. It can cover your roses and will attach to anything that grapes attach to. It is a fast growing screen for ugly chain link. I planted it under a willow with Vinca major and Algerian Ivy and all are doing well, surprisingly only the ivy is climbing up the tree. The leaves seem to grow much larger in the shade in zone11. |
Positive | On Aug 20, 2006, nonillion from West Brookfield, MA (Zone 5b) wrote: I loved this plant, used it to hide a high ugly concrete wall in full western sun on top of an incline where few other things would grow. |
Negative | On Aug 14, 2006, sherwoodlucas from Ridgefield, CT wrote: For 30 years Virginia creeper has made my life a torment and I learned its name only today. None of the gardeners here in Connecticut could put a name to the plant that I said made me sick. Thanks to the thoughtful postings at Dave's Garden I now know that it isn't poison ivy or poison oak. It is much worst. |
Positive | On Jul 31, 2006, jillofall from Colorado Springs, CO (Zone 5a) wrote: We in Colorado desperately need plants that are xeric, and this one fits the bill. I also love the fall color. We have a strip with a tall chain link fence and Virginia Creeper is the perfect plant for this spot. I just wish it were evergreen! |
Negative | On Jul 28, 2006, jasza from Allison Park, PA wrote: Allison Park, PA...Originally I thought this was a beautiful vine; however, when it grew up the trees and completely covered the tops of them, I knew it was time to trim it back. Low and behold I broke out in a terrible rash much like poison ivy. My doctor prescribed Clobetasol Propionate Gel (.05%) to apply to the rash. It works. I now keep the prescription filled and on hand at all times. When I remove the vine, I cut the feet from old socks and wear them over the sleeves of my sweat shirt and gloves. When done, I carefully remove the socks and dispose them. I also cover my hair with a bandana! My grandson retrieved a ball the other day and brushed up against the vine and now his back is covered with blisters! Time to remove it again. I hate this plant!!! |
Negative | On Jul 10, 2006, asorensen from Coralville, IA (Zone 5a) wrote: I am SO happy I found this site!! I am NOT crazy! I have Virginia Creeper growing in my fence...coming from a bush in the yard next door. It is everywhere. I tried to pull it out last fall and broke out in an awful rash. I needed medication and everything. I looked it up on the web to see exactly what the vine was and found nothing about it causing rashes so I thought I was nuts. This week I went and pulled some more bc it was taking over my beautiful row of flowers all along the fence and WHAM. I have it everywhere on my body. It hurts, itches, is red and swelling. More meds! This stuff is nasty. I don't care if it is the most beautiful plant on earth it is dangerous. My eye is almost swollen shut, it is around my mouth, ears, belly, legs, arms, fingers, etc. I am going to try the vinegar... read more |
Positive | On Jul 8, 2006, isabella from Taunton, MA wrote: VC grows naturally in my small portion of NE woodland. True to its nature, itt creeped up my retaining wall slowly, hit more daylight, and then exploded with growth. My chainlink fence is now a fence hedge, which is delightful for me. The VC does try to grow into the yard, but it's easily mowed/trimmed into submission. My perrenial up the other side slope is a different story. I have to pull up the VC runners and sprouts at least 2X a year, but they come up so easily it's no problem. |
Positive | On Jul 6, 2006, Lauribob from Twisp, WA wrote: Wow, I'm so surprised to see so many negative comments about this plant. I have not had any allergic type reactions with it, despite annual pruning and direct contact. I didn't even know this was a problem until reading this forum. In my zone 5 garden it is not the least bit invasive. I have it climbing up a guy-wire to the power pole and it will send runners out into the surrounding lawn, which are easily controlled just by mowing. I do have to trim it at the top end once every year to keep it from growing into the transformer etc. It has nice foliage in the summer, berries for the birds and gorgeous fall color. What's not to like? |
Negative | On Jun 28, 2006, bivbiv from Central FL, FL (Zone 9b) wrote: I have never hated a plant before, but I HATE VIRGINIA CREEPER!!!!!!!!!! We've been trying to get rid of it for TWENTY YEARS!!!! |
Negative | On Jun 27, 2006, Mandi_48 from Glasgow, WV (Zone 6b) wrote: In my area, 20 miles east of Charleston, WV, the plant is invasive and out of control. Many locals refer to it as poison ivy because they've experienced the blisters and terrible itching. We have a lot of poison ivy here also. Yes, birds will eat the berries of both these plants, but I have other ways to feed the birds that won't spread these troublesome plants. |
Negative | On Jun 21, 2006, beebalmvt from Montpelier, VT wrote: I'm in Montpelier, Vermont--usually zone 4 more or less. I had never seen VCreeper before I moved to this town in 2001. It had just stuck to wrapping itself around an old, dead elm until last year. It was the first year that every kind of vine or invasive plant--native or nonnative--went crazy all over my yard. The worst, however, was VC, which crossed the lawns, attacked all kinds of trees and had me reliving Little Shop of Horrors. I remember now that the fall before, I had been pulling on some roots that kept going on and on--this was to clear space to plant some daffodils. I didn't see any foliage, but realize now that the plant must have been virginia creeper. Could my pulling up what I thought were roots have actually caused it to grow faster than ever? It had not been a prob... read more |
Positive | On Jun 14, 2006, Colquhoun from Champaign, IL (Zone 5b) wrote: Wonderfull plant and a truly great native. Not really invasive if understand its nature and a habits in the wild. It is a large creeper and climbing vine, that is one of the most wide speard plants in eastern forrests. If you are the type that has to have everything in a neat row, this isn't for you... but for some of us that don't get mad at a leapard acting like one.. or a creeper that seems to always be creeping, its a wonderfull addition. (besides nothing is more of a thug then wisteria.. well the chinese and japanese) |
Positive | On Jun 9, 2006, oldmudhouse from Las Cruces, NM (Zone 8a) wrote: It either needs a lot of space, or containment. I grew it wild on a hot rocky hillside mixed with Vinca Major, under Live Oak trees. It was never a problem. I did have to occasionally discourage it from climbing my trees, but a quick snip at the ground kept it at bay for months. I never had an allergic reaction as many others have mentioned. |
Negative | On Jun 9, 2006, eurokitty from Seattle, WA (Zone 9b) wrote: As has happened to others, this also came into the yard of our second home at our second home in Florida from a neighbor's place. |
Negative | On Jun 7, 2006, Katie06 from Washington, PA wrote: I live in Washington, PA where this grows wild. I was having a continuous problem with it until I found this site. I just wanted to let everyone know who is trying to get rid of it, in a previous comment someone said vinegar works, and it does. After only about 2 hours the leaves started changing and today it is dead! |
Positive | On Jun 5, 2006, kristinleis from Cambridge, I love this plant and I don't mind trimming it back every once in a while. It's so hardy and easy to grow secondary plants from just a clipping placed into the ground. It covers my brick wall at my front entrance, making a lovely greenery surround for the rest of my front garden. I find it relaxing since there aren't a lot of trees in my area to have a lot of lovely green leaves around me that will turn color in the fall! I also like that the berries attract birds, I always feel better if there is some sort of wild life around me! |
Negative | On Jun 3, 2006, intreverend from Champaign, IL wrote: I learned about Virginia Creeper when I developed severe blisters on my arms and legs after working in the flower beds of my new house. It took me a few days to figure out why I had the reaction because there was no Poison Ivy/Oak or Sumac in sight. Luckily, I did not need medica attention, however, I did come across a study by Cornell University that suggested that using acetic acid (vingegar) would effectively dispose of climbing vines. I tried it on Virginia Creeper, and the leaves browned in a couple hours. VInegar was more effective than Roundup on the vines in my flower bed. |
Negative | On May 26, 2006, gregr18 from Bridgewater, MA (Zone 6b) wrote: This NATIVE vine had no problem killing one of my Canadian Hemlocks. I fell for the foolish notion that because two plants originated in the same part of the world, they therefore must be able to live in perfect harmony. Nonsense. |
Positive | On May 26, 2006, Kiapa from Fort Worth, TX wrote: I aodre this climber. It has redish fall color and everyone thinks it's poison ivy and steer clear of it all! |
Positive | On Apr 28, 2006, Hikaro_Takayama from Fayetteville, PA (Zone 6b) wrote: This native vine is a very beatiful plant. In southern PA, of the wild-growing vines (Japanese Honeysuckle, Trumpet Creeper, Virgin's Bower, Greenbreir, Poison Ivy, Bittersweet, Wild Grapes, and Carrion Vine), this is one of the least invasive, particularly compared to the evil tree-killing vine from heck, a.k.a. Japanese honeysuckle. |
Negative | On Apr 6, 2006, pdoyle23323 from Chesapeake, VA (Zone 7b) wrote: This weed is VERY invasive. I had it at my previous home and could not get all of it! In my new home I periodically walk the property spraying with weed killer on any new growth I see of it. It will take over quickly! |
Negative | On Mar 14, 2006, MadHungarian from Savannah, GA wrote: I can't get away from this stuff! I moved last year from Philadelphia, PA, where it was battling with English ivy to take over my front yard, to Savannah, GA, where it grows at least twice as fast. When I moved in last June it was threatening to engulf my detached garage like kudzu. Absolutely, positively, do not let it grow near a building. It will climb the foundation and then try to work its way UNDER the siding and keep on going. I am able to knock it down with Roundup but you have to watch for regrowth. If you have long, established vines, trace them back to the ground and cut off the woody stem. If it regrows around the stem, let it get a few leaves and hit it hard with the Roundup again. |
Neutral | On Mar 5, 2006, Malus2006 from Coon Rapids, MN (Zone 4a) wrote: This plant is nice for covering certain areas. There are two species, which differs by one major characteristic - one species uses suckers much like Trumpet Creeper to latch on vertial structures while the other species have tendrils to latch on wires or any rough surfaces. The speces with tendrils in the wild here tend to be strongly groundcover with vines where there are woodedge or shrubs even thought they also likes trees that have low branches close to the ground like spruces. The species with tendrils is the most common seen here in the Twin Cities by my eyes, as the species that uses suckers tend to be not hardy here. I wonder whenever the invasive ones in the south have suckers or tendrils? For all other readers, I am also wondering if some of your "virginia creeper" are actually... read more |
Negative | On Feb 25, 2006, mikems from Tallahassee, FL wrote: I am extremely sensitive to this plant and it causes an intense rash. I was told that it couldn't, but it did. So when I cut it back I use gloves and am careful not to touch the tools by ungloved hand. I tried several kinds of medications, but as with poison ivy, there is nothing that will totally relieve the itch for me, except time. And so, while everyone may not be as sensitive or allergic to it, and it is, I think, a pretty plant, it does create a problem for me in that sense. It grows prolifically up the sides of our home in Tallahassee, Florida. |
Positive | On Feb 19, 2006, c_etude from Winter Haven, FL wrote: I live in central Florida, and I honestly cannot consider this "invasive". It's a strong vine, and pretty, and grows where a lot of other plants refuse. I had this plant growing on my fence. (Where it came from, I have no idea because i never planted it; possibly from bird droppings?) |
Negative | On Jan 26, 2006, raisedbedbob from Walkerton, VA (Zone 7a) wrote: I hate this plant. I have lots of Azaleas planted on the wood's edge, and I spend way too much time pulling it out of them. |
Neutral | On Jan 25, 2006, wtliftr from Wilson's Mills, NC wrote: I can't give it a negative, since it is native to NC- but very invasive! Never had a problem with a rash, though...BEAUTIFUL foilage in the fall. FYI- the vitaceae family is the grape family- NOT poison ivy, etc. If anyone wants to buy some plants, I also have some KUDZU I can sell you... |
Negative | On Jan 15, 2006, Gabrielle from (Zone 5a) wrote: Virginia Creeper planted itself along my back fence, and I let it grow to cover it. After it started taking over elsewhere, I decided to take it out. It had other notions. We worked out an agreement that I would keep the big of it ripped out and it wouldn't spread farther. |
Positive | On Jan 11, 2006, MitchF from Lindsay, OK (Zone 7a) wrote: I love this plant, you have to keep it in check but I just love the plant the color and the growth of the plant. |
Negative | On Jan 11, 2006, Mudstone from Jonesboro, GA (Zone 7b) wrote: This plant is extremely invasive where I live on the edge of a forest. It often grows side by side with poison ivy around my yard, no thanks to the birds. Although I am allergic to poison ivy, Virginia creeper has never given me a skin rash when pulling it. My roommate isn't as fortunate and has the doctor bills to prove it. |
Positive | On Dec 14, 2005, Legit from Porterfield, WI (Zone 4b) wrote: From reading all the comments, I am shocked to see how many problems virginia creeper has caused. I have also come to the conclusion that in the colder zones it does not seem to get out of hand. I has been climbing over the top of our concrete garage since the beginning of time, and we've been here over 20 years. The trunks are as thick as a small child's arm at the base. It has caused no problems and we love it. It tends to grow over our doorway, and dh and myself have to pull or clip a new opening several times a summer, and neither of us have had any reaction to it. |
Positive | On Dec 11, 2005, EAPierce from Idaho Falls, ID (Zone 5a) wrote: I have a perennial shade garden (shaded by a large Emerald Queen Maple) about 6' deep by 20' long, and in 1994 I planted a Virginia Creeper in the back of it, centrally, at the base of a 8' tall wooden plank fence. I was forewarned by knowledgeable folk that it would be an extremely aggressive climber and is a sort of cousin to Poison Ivy, but that it would take "rolling around in it for hours" to get the same kind of reaction Poison Ivy is famous for. It's apparent, however, that some people are more sensitive to it than that. Fortunately, I'm not one of them. I've handled it often, gloveless, and haven't experienced any irritation at all. I've also found that Virginia Creeper is far more manageable than predicted, at least in my Zone 4-5 shade garden. I was prepared to battle it to... read more |
Negative | On Nov 14, 2005, SanibelKit from Sanibel, FL (Zone 10a) wrote: Nope: it's lovely, but one of those things that will take over the ground and your trees, maybe anything else that stands still long enough. We have much worse invasives here in zone 10a (where many plants that can survive often seem to become invasive!) but this one's bad too. A yard man helped me get rid of the biggest vines - that were overpowering my native buttonwoods - by cutting and immediately spraying the cut base (only) with an herbicide. Of course, some are growing back anyway, but the buttonwoods are leafing out more. |
Neutral | On Nov 8, 2005, huskyluvr from Wichita, KS wrote: My neighbor bought a nearly dead plant . The store had no idea what it was. She planted it and now it's covering the fence between our yards. The only drawback we see is that the wasps and other stinging insects love it. |
Neutral | On Nov 8, 2005, escambiaguy from Atmore, AL (Zone 8b) wrote: While this plant is aggressive, I don't think it could be considered invasive. It has always been in North America. It's no more of a problem than greenbriar, scuppernong, climbing wild roses, etc. (at least it doesn't have thorns). |
Positive | On Nov 3, 2005, Photographer from Moxee, WA (Zone 4a) wrote: I love this plant. It turns a cheap welded wire fence into a 6 foot tall 2 foot wide wall of lush green leaves. It makes a terrific barrier between properties. This plant grows fast and is better suited for larger land parcels. Smaller town lots can get overgrown fast .... within a year. We're on 21 acres, so having a barrier to separate us from coyotes on the other side of the fence is the most desirous thing we can provide our land. |
Negative | On Sep 29, 2005, bulldozier from Ventura, CA wrote: Like many others here, I found out the hard way how horrible Virginia Creeper can be. It grows along my backyard fence here in Ventura, CA, so after a trimming I broke out in horrible rashes wherever my skin was exposed. I know poison ivy and oak very well from past experiences (requiring prednisone) and knew it couldn't have been one of them. Unfortunately, now I must destroy all of these plants because my dogs might be able to pass the oxalate crystals to my skin. Beware - I am pretty sure I touched this plant many times before with no reaction, so the allergy can develop at any time. I think the rash is actually worse than poison oak because it seems to take longer to stop itching. |
Negative | On Jun 13, 2005, Gindee77 from Hampton, IL (Zone 5a) wrote: This weed is very invasive and I hate pulling it because I get scratched by the leaves and have an allergic reaction. |
Negative | On May 7, 2005, Rontx from Azle, TX wrote: This "Creepy" Creeper is reported to be toxic to a "few". Well I'm one of the "Few". It's as bad if not worse than Poison Ivy. I am sitting here with one eye nearly swollen shut because I unknowingly got exposed to it while mowing around a tree in my yard. Don't grow it! If it doesn't affect you it will still affect other innocents who may visit your property! |
Neutral | On Apr 23, 2005, Breezymeadow from Culpeper, VA (Zone 7a) wrote: Except for some attractive variegated types that are now available, I always laugh whenever I see this for sale at nurseries here in Virginia, as it - like Bittersweet & Trumpet vines - grows in the wild everywhere here. |
Positive | On Apr 23, 2005, DawnRain from Bartow, FL wrote: As a native American, it has its right to existence and I will not call a native an invasive. Weed, yes. A weed is a plant growing where you don't want it. And I yearly remove it from the cultivated gardens. You will find it growing beneath trees mostly, because that is where birds drop the seeds. I know many of them are dependent on this natural food. How much healthier to allow some of this plant to grow than to feed them from a crowded feeder where diseases can be spread. But then I am not allergic to this or poison ivy, so I don't suffer from their presence. |
Neutral | On Apr 23, 2005, JaxFlaGardener from Jacksonville, FL (Zone 8b) wrote: I'm trying to achieve a balance with this plant, letting it grow on fences I want to cover while pulling it out of flower beds and out of my trees. Fortunately, it is not widespread in my yard and I am thus far able to keep it in control. I've just begun to recognize its seedlings and I pull them up as soon as they appear to avoid having the vines spread and take root, as they easily do. |
Negative | On Apr 22, 2005, CaptMicha from Brookeville, MD (Zone 7a) wrote: This plant is a negative in my book because I dislike anything that spreads and invades so rapidly and completely. However, I see their draw. It's crimson and shiny foliage is quite attractive. |
Positive | On Dec 12, 2004, TREEHUGR from Now in Orlando, FL (Zone 9b) wrote: Good for fences if you have a lot of room and it poses no risk to make you do extra work to clear it from unwanted areas. I don't know who would plant it in a pot or something because it may cause "contact dermatitis" or so I'm told. |
Positive | On Nov 2, 2004, winter_unfazed from Rural Webster County, MO (Zone 6a) wrote: This plant is very invasive, and when it finds a telephone pole, it climbs like nobody's business. I used to be afraid to touch it, kind of like Chicken Little and the leaf, because I thought that it was poison ivy. It turns brilliant red in the fall. |
Negative | On Sep 20, 2004, joemadeus from Concord, MA (Zone 6a) wrote: This plant is running rampant in our back yard, with runners up to ~20'. Strongly negative experience :) |
Positive | On Aug 14, 2004, rsutt from Atascadero, CA wrote: Beautifull and strong. Here in central Ca. there are many microclimates and creeper is a survivor. This is `The Digger Pine Zone Belt` and our native plant selections are unusual and hardy. Our soil is poor and must be heavily amended. |
Positive | On Aug 14, 2004, GraphicLizard from Philadelphia, PA wrote: This vine grows all over my brick house, and I just love it. It keeps the house nice and cool in the summer, and sticks well to the bricks without damaging them in any way. The birds nest in it, and when the wind blows the sides of the house ripple like the ocean! It's terrific! |
Negative | On Aug 7, 2004, doosey from Avella, PA wrote: It wasn't until I began yanking long trailing/burrowing vines of this off of the ground and out of the trees it was strangling that I discovered that I would have a severe reaction to this plant. I kept thinking that somehow poison ivy was the cause, but like the other responder a note or so before mine, I hadn't been IN any poison ivy, oak or sumac! Then I found this site and decided that the culprit had to be this Virginia creeper! |
Negative | On Aug 5, 2004, threewaters from Hillman, MI wrote: Hello, All; |
Negative | On Aug 1, 2004, death2creeper from Carmel, IN wrote: A portion of my woodlot is a 2 acre yard that I'm returning to a forested state. The other day I noticed that a black cherry tree on the edge of this area was almost completely covered on one side by Virginia Creeper from the base to about 40' off the ground. |
Negative | On Jul 27, 2004, Becky_Taylor from Minneapolis, MN wrote: My husband and I have spent the past 3 days trying to remove this vile weed from the yard of our new home. We have removed it from only half of the yard... and we are city dwellers... so that means we have a small yard! We are curious if there any any means of removing this weed other than pulling it out and trying to get all the roots. |
Positive | On Jul 26, 2004, BingsBell from SC, MT (Zone 5a) wrote: I live in 4/5 Z and find many of the more appealing vines are annuals here. I can't beat Virgina Creeper for covering ugly fences with it's green foliage and in the fall the colors are outstanding. |
Neutral | On Jul 25, 2004, theresarose from Montreal, I bought this plant to cover the ugly side walls of my house. It's been 2 years, it's grown alot but it just flops to the ground! I really like the changing colours of this plant, but I'm going to rip it out and replace it with something else to do the job. |
Positive | On Jul 25, 2004, Mophead from Aylesford, The Annapolis Valley area of Nova Scotia is Zone 6a and Virginia Creeper is common. I planted it against my garden shed to soften the hard edges. It was a small clipping that has been gradually increasing in size for the last 5 years and is only now reaching the top of the shed. It can be invasive but, in my case, planting in deep shade has kept the growth to a restrained level. It is glorious in its fall colour. |
Negative | On Jul 25, 2004, caroljean55 from Morgantown, WV wrote: We have a telephone pole near our house with a dusk-to-dawn light on it. We wanted to disguise the pole, so we planted Virginia Creeper. Boy, I sure wish I hadn't done it. It goes everywhere, and I have to pull it out like weeds. It even grows up between the cracks of my wood sidewalk. We have found it as far as 40 feet from the base plant. One year, I was so mad that I cut it down at the foot of the pole. Hah! It came right back. |
Negative | On Jul 24, 2004, NatureWalker from New York & Terrell, TX (Zone 8b) wrote: Last week a neighbor tried to remove this Virginia Creeper. After trying unsuccessfully to get rid of it for years, he hitched a tow chain to it, then to his pickup, and pulled on it. He successfully removed 3 fence posts and the chain link fencing from a good portion of his 'cyclone' fence that was 4 foot high. |
Negative | On Jul 15, 2004, luketrash from Ames, IA wrote: This plant is wrapped around all the hedge bushes in my yard, and is all over a fence next to my garage. |
Negative | On Jul 8, 2004, Egglantinerose from Zionsville, IN wrote: I agree with all of you about the rashes. This plant is beautiful, but very TOXIC to me. I was exposed on June 17, 2004. I had on long pants, & evidently it went through the fabric, or I touched the top of my legs while removing my pants and t-shirt. I wore gloves but I got the most HORRIBLE red rash. Some actually turn into pustules. |
Negative | On Jun 15, 2004, tipp2 from Pompton Lakes, NJ wrote: 25 yrs ago reaction to & rash from contact with creeper sent me to doctor. Last week I found creeper again growing in shrubs. Wore long sleeves, long gloves, long pants, etc - still got minor rash. Virginia creeper is a menace in Pompton Lakes, NJ . |
Negative | On Jun 15, 2004, xword from Sanford, NC (Zone 7a) wrote: Very similar comments to others who have tried to eradicate this pest. My 4 year old granddaughter and I have itchy bumps and swollen eyes. I never experienced this reaction in the past to removing vines -- perhaps it is because I have been pulling up the roots quite a lot lately? Again, I don't know how my granddaughter was exposed, unless by contact with my hands when I put sunblock on her before she goes to camp. All in all, a nice looking vine, but too invasive and too dangerous. |
Negative | On Jun 10, 2004, 23newgardener from Decatur, GA wrote: I recently came in contact with this plant and now am covered in a rash. The rash is spreading and is worse than my experience with poison ivy. I haven't been able to find much relief for the itching and nothing for the spreading of it. The plant looks beautiful climbing on our brick house, but it is not worth the pain I am going through now. |
Negative | On Jun 9, 2004, cynthia2232 from Muncy Valley, PA wrote: This plant has sent me to the emergency room more times than I or my pocketbook would care to count. IF you happen to be one of the few who are allergic to this plant (LIKE ME) you should stay away from it completely! If that is not possible then wear long pants, long sleeves, and gloves and make sure the material is thick. Wipe pets down as they come into contact with you, DO NOT remove shoes without either keeping the gloves on or washing hands ASAP after removing them. Remove clothes carefully and put in washer inside out so you don't touch the bad sap. |
Negative | On Jun 8, 2004, twin2 from Forrest City, AR wrote: For a long time now, I thought that Virgina Creeper was poison ivy or oak and have avoided it at ALL cost. I was told just recently by a real estate agent while looking at a house that it was Virginia Creeper. I was somewhat relieved because I am allergic to poison ivy. I have been in search to find out info about this Virgina Creeper. I have read on sites that it does not cause skin irritation and I have read on others that it can to some people. |
Negative | On Jun 2, 2004, luv2garden211 from Glenolden, PA wrote: This plant is very pretty in every season. In my 6 a or b garden in Pennsylvania, it flourishes so much so that it comes up everywhere. If you first spot a new little plant, it's easy to get rid of. However established areas are very, very difficult to eradicate. It is extremely invasive. |
Negative | On Jun 1, 2004, dunderwood from Vienna, VA wrote: Two weeks ago, I spent a day pulling Virginia Creeper from the Azalea beds in my front yard. My legs and arms are now covered in bumps and blisters and these dark red patches that burn and are extremely itchy. I have never experienced anything like this before. As a child I had minor problems with poisin ivy, but nothing like this. |
Negative | On May 31, 2004, rparrott from Dallas, TX wrote: For years I have thought this ivy was either poison ivy or poison oak, and then someone finally told me it wasn't. Last week I was trimming weeds and pulled alot of this off my fence (without gloves--big mistake!!!) The next day my face was on fire. It went from redness to scabbing, and now I have what looks like dark burnt skin. It never got blistery or oozed like PI. I've been baffled all week as to what plant it came from. |
Negative | On May 29, 2004, purplepetunia from Savannah, GA (Zone 8b) wrote: A few years ago, this came into my yard from the adjoining |
Negative | On May 14, 2004, itsallaboutsoil from Martinsburg, WV, WV wrote: I was interested to read that this plant can cause a poison ivy/oak type rash - for years I have known that it causes me to have a rash yet I couldn't find any believers. I won't touch it because I have had the rash so bad that I had to have medical treatment. It is beautiful but it is invasive and I would never suggest anyone plant it - anywhere. |
Negative | On May 13, 2004, kellyshahan from Norman, OK wrote: We found this plant on the grounds of the University of Oklahoma. Someone has planted it all around some of the buildings there. We found some growing into the Architecture library, it had worked it's way through tiny cracks in the caulking around the old windows. I have had a poison ivy like rash for around a week, which is probably how long the plant has been growing indoors since we never noticed it before. I don't know if it caused the rash but I've never had a reaction to poison ivy yet (Virginia creeper doesn't contain urishol like poison ivy does, but I have found a couple of web sites that say Virginia Creeper can cause an allergic reaction in a few people.) |
Neutral | On May 3, 2004, melody from Benton, KY (Zone 7a) wrote: I'm neutral on this plant, as I'm not fighting it's spread in my yard as some folks are. I know that it can get very thick and invasive and can see the problems that result. |
Positive | On Jan 15, 2004, Kelli from L.A. (Canoga Park), CA (Zone 10a) wrote: In my yard, it's vigorous but I wouldn't call it invasive. I think that the drier climate and the dryish conditions in my yard keep it in check. Personally, I love the plant and especially the fall color. It provides dependable red fall color, which you can't always get in a warm climate. |
Negative | On Sep 29, 2003, ckfarr from Spring, TX wrote: This plant is HORRIBLE!! I have thought for years that it was poison oak and have been terrified to touch it. I have a bed of English Ivy in my front yard and this creeper pops up all the time. I just pulled one out of some photinia bushes I have and the roots ran for about 15 ft down the side of my house. Once I finally found the main root and I went to pull on it, it snapped in half! The roots are so brittle and break very easily. I live in zone 8b (just north of Houston, TX) and it loves to grow here! Its worse than trumpeter vine! |
Negative | On Jul 20, 2003, suncatcheracres from Old Town, FL wrote: I have six acres of Virginia creeper, combined with poison oak, and trumpet vine here in Northcentral Florida, Zone 8b, and it seems impossible to get rid of. I constantly tear it from fences, trees, and flower beds. I won't use poisons or herbicides, so have resorted to sheet mulching with newspapers and/or cardboard, overlaid with leaves and/or sawdust, trying to smother it out of my planting beds. Warning, DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT plant this plant in any Southern garden, or you will be sorry! |
Negative | On Jul 20, 2003, mocloa from Hendersonville, TN wrote: This is a weed in my area. It grows very well and needs to be constantly removed. It is often confused with poison ivy. |
Positive | On Jul 20, 2003, Lynda_Kind from Winnipeg, Very AGGRESSIVE, rapidly spreading beautiful plant. New plants are easily started by root cuttings. Simply cut a hunk of the root and plant it, keeping it well watered... guaranteed it will grow. Survives in either dry or clay soils. Zone 3 Southern Manitoba. Some people refer to creeper as a noxious weed. |
Negative | On Jul 8, 2003, phalvorson from Panama City, FL (Zone 8b) wrote: This plant is very invasive. It was in our front & back yards when we bought our house 4 years ago, and we have been fighting it ever since. Not only will it climb up trees, but it will also spread across the ground -- sending long runners about 1-2" below the surface. The runners are easy to pull if there is limited growth over them, but otherwise they snap off and start re-growing if you can't get the whole runner out of the ground. This plant is also a very fast grower. We live in the Florida panhandle (zone 8b). |
Neutral | On Nov 29, 2001, Floridian from Lutz, FL (Zone 9b) wrote: |