Authors: Colton Blankenship, Ashley Hickman

Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) is a perennial vine commonly found in landscape beds, roadsides, forests and disturbed areas across much of eastern and central North America. Virginia creeper frequently climbs trees, shrubs and structures and can be extremely challenging to manage in landscape settings (Image 1).

Identification

Virginia creeper is a member of the grape family (Vitaceae). Virginia creeper’s most noteworthy characteristic is its palmately compound leaves with five leaflets that are coarsely serrate on the latter portion of the leaf (Image 2). Virginia creeper is commonly confused with poison ivy; however, note that Virginia creeper’s leaflets commonly occur in groups of five compared to poison ivy’s groups of three. Young leaves often appear shiny or waxy after emergence (Image 3). Leaves typically turn a deep red/orange color in the fall which is considered visually appealing by some people. Stems are reddish brown and can range in color from dark to light (Image 4). Virginia creeper produces extensive fibrous and woody root systems from which it can regrow if aboveground parts are damaged or destroyed. Virginia creeper flowers in the summer and produces purple berries which are reported to have moderately toxic properties. Some people report sensitivity to skin contact with plant parts including leaves, stems and sap.

Management

Management of Virginia creeper is challenging in landscape settings due to its proximity to desirable ornamental plants. Integrated management approaches should incorporate chemical, mechanical and cultural control practices to eliminate existing plants and prevent the establishment of new ones. Due to the sensitivity of most landscape ornamental species, efficacy of most available preemergence herbicides on Virginia creeper is limited. Preemergence herbicides will not control existing vines, which produce new leaves as the weather warms in the spring each year. Physical removal of existing vines can be challenging depending on the size of the plant and the site of the infestation. Care must be taken to avoid damaging desirable ornamentals when removing Virginia creeper, as tendrils may be tightly wrapped around ornamental stems and foliage. When hand removing vines, ensure that as much of the root system is removed as possible as well as the foliage.

Chemical management should use systemic herbicide products that can translocate to and kill underground plant parts. Herbicides that are effective on Virginia creeper will typically also damage or kill desirable ornamental plants. Thus, take special care to avoid contacting desirable plants with herbicides. Because Virginia creeper is often growing in and around shrubs and trees, selectively spraying herbicides to only apply to Virginia creeper without contacting desirable plants is particularly challenging. When vines cannot be selectively sprayed, consider the cut-and-paint approach: cut vines near the soil surface and carefully pull the upper portion of the plant out and away from desirable ornamentals and discard or compost. Then, apply the herbicide to the remaining cut portion of the stem to kill the roots. Take care to use proper personal protective equipment and follow all product label instructions when using herbicides.

Herbicides for directed postemergence control of Virginia creeper in landscapes.

It is the applicator’s responsibility to follow all labeled instructions and restrictions when using a herbicide product. Ensure that selected products are both 1) registered for use in ornamental landscape plantings and 2) that the ornamental species present are listed on the label as safe for use around. This does not represent an exhaustive list of all available herbicide products.

For more information on Virginia creeper and herbicides, contact your local parish LSU AgCenter Extension office.

P4031-C
5/20/26
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