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Is it poison ivy or Virginia creeper?By Lisa Brewer CSU Master Gardener, Kit Carson County "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. 8/4/08 Date: 7/28/08 Advertisement
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