FLORIDA WILDFLOWERS - including native flowering vines and aquatic plants. Photos: Courtesy of Joan Brookwell - Co-author of "Native Florida Plants".

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Parthenocissus_quinquefolia

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VIRGINIA GREEPER, WOOODBINE
Parthenocissus quinquefolia

  • Bloom: Panicles of yellow-green flowers appear in spring, carried under the leaves so that they are barely noticeable.
  • Habitat: Virgina Creeper will grow anywhere, in city or country, tolerating wind, poor soil, pollution and any light condition
  • Native Range:New England to south Florida; Mexico: Zones 3-11
  • Propagation: Seed, cuttings

While Virginia creeper usually is looked upon as a weed (and is aggressive enough that it can become a pest), it has its uses. It's fine for difficult sites such as ugly retaining walls along highways, urban areas that will benefit from any greenery, and beach situations where most plants won't survive. And, at least in northern Florida, it adds a colorful accent in the fall. Birds are attracted to its fruit, which is most noticable after the leaves have fallen from the vine.