VIRGINIA CREEPER Parthenocissus quinquefolia
Parthenocissus quinquefolia, known as Virginia creeper, Victoria creeper, five-leaved ivy, or five-finger, is native to eastern and central North America, from southeastern Canada and the eastern United States west to Manitoba and Utah, and south to eastern Mexico and Guatemala. This plant is also known in North America as woodbine, although woodbine can refer to other plant species.
Parthenocissus quinquefolia is a prolific deciduous climber, reaching heights of 20–30 m (66–98 ft) in the wild. It climbs smooth surfaces using small forked tendrils tipped with small strongly adhesive pads 5 mm (0.20 in) in size.
The leaves sometimes turn a decorative bright red in the fall.
The flowers are small and greenish, produced in inconspicuous clusters in late spring, and mature in late summer or early fall into small hard purplish-black berries 5 to 7 mm (0.20 to 0.28 in) diameter. These berries contain toxic amounts of oxalic acid and have been known to cause kidney damage and death to humans (PS. don't eat them!). The berries are not toxic to birds and provide an important winter food source for many bird species.
Parthenocissus quinquefolia is grown as an ornamental plant, because of its ability to rapidly cover walls and buildings, and its deep red to burgundy fall (autumn) foliage.
Parthenocissus quinquefolia can be used as a shading for buildings on masonry walls. Because the adheres to the surface by disks, rather than penetrating roots, it does not harm the masonry but will keep a building cooler by shading the wall surface during the summer.
These seeds are very limited supply!
Type: Hardy perennial
Height: 20-30 meters
Location: Sun or
Hardiness zones: 3-9
Seeds per pack: 3
Note: This plant species is known to contain oxalate crystals, in the juice or sap of these seeds or this plant. Ingestion can cause swelling in the mouth and throat, possibly causing upset stomach, pain, and breathing difficulties. Some sources report that ingestion of this plant can result in death.
Germination: As with many perennial seeds, these seeds benefit from a period of moist cold to help them begin to grow. First, soak the seeds in rain water or bottled water for 24 hours. Then, place the seeds in a plastic bag, in a Safe place in the fridge for 60 days. Be sure to label the seeds, and tell others not to eat them! Once the cold period is over, plant the seeds just under the surface of the soil, and keep at room temperature for them to germinate. A little patience is required, but they are well worth the wait!
