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Is It Poison Ivy or Virginia Creeper?
7/21/2008
Linda Langelo
Horticulture
Program Coordinator
Colorado State University Extension
Golden Plains
Area |
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Article by: Lisa Brewer, GPA Master Gardener
"What is this
plant growing under and climbing up into my trees?" As a Master Gardener I have
gotten this question quite frequently lately. I always refer to the lesson we
were taught at summer camp - "Leaves of three…leave it be!" Poison ivy and
Virginia Creeper are both woody vines with a strong climbing habit that are
often found growing together. Poison ivy has only three leaflets during its
lifetime but it is also common to find only three leaflets in the
early-sprouting leaves of Virginia Creeper. Mature leaves of Virginia Creeper
have five leaflets and are more serrated or "toothy" on the edges and they have
more prominent veins. Both plants' leaves turn a dark red or burgundy color in
the fall and both plants produce berries - poison ivy berries are white, while
Virginia Creeper berries are purple.
It is very important to distinguish
between these plants when trying to clear them out of your yard or trees.
Poison ivy produces a toxin called urushiol that is harmful to most people when
it gets on the skin. Virginia Creeper is not entirely harmless either. It
contains oxalic compounds that some people are allergic to and they may end up
with a rash from handling any of the parts of this vine.
Virginia
Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) is also know by other common names such
as American ivy, Woodbine, or Fiveleaved ivy. It is native to the eastern half
of the United States, but here in the West it can be considered an invasive
plant. It is a very aggressive plant that can grow up to twenty feet in a
season. It can climb nearly any vertical surface - fences (wooden or metal),
electric poles and lines, brick or cinder block walls, etc. It climbs into
trees by anchoring itself in the bark with adhesive pads at the ends of its
aerial roots. It does have the potential to overwhelm and eventually kill the
host tree, so pruning or eradicating the vine is necessary.
People are
of two opinions about Virginia Creeper - they either love it or they hate it.
It is easily spread by birds that feed on its berries and distribute the seeds
anywhere they perch. It can grow in a variety of soil, heat, light and moisture
conditions. It can spread across the ground as a ground cover or climb up over
anything. The main thing to consider about Virginia Creeper is where you want
it to grow and how much pruning are you willing to do to keep it in check.
Whatever you do, take precautions when handling this plant and never eat its
berries! |
Page Created and Maintained by: Perry D. Brewer, Area
Extension Agent (Technology Education/Youth)
7/23/2008 |
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