Quick answer: Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) is native to 40 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. It's typically seed, verified 16 Sep 2026.
Photo: Linnaeus, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Sun, Part Shade, Shade |
|---|---|
| Water | Low water, Moist |
| Soil | Moist, well-drained soils - sandy loam, clay, limestone-based |
| Bloom | Bloom May-Jun |
| Height | Vine up to 40 ft |
| Wildlife value | Fruit feeds many bird species through winter, larval host for sphinx moths |
Berries highly toxic, may be fatal if eaten. Symptoms: nausea, abdominal pain, bloody vomiting/diarrhea, dilated pupils, headache, sweating, weak pulse, drowsiness, facial twitching. Plant tissues can irritate skin in sensitive individuals
none noted (vigorous growth noted as characteristic trait)
Buying it
Sold true to the wild species as of the last check (16 Sep 2026), via Amazon.
Sold as: Seed via Amazon · listing verified 16 Sep 2026
See where to buy →Quick answers about Virginia creeper
Where is Virginia creeper native?
Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) is native to 40 states across the Northeast, Midwest, South and West. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Virginia creeper bloom?
Virginia creeper blooms May-Jun. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Virginia creeper need?
Light: Sun, Part Shade, Shade. Water: Low water, Moist. Soil: Moist, well-drained soils - sandy loam, clay, limestone-based. Mature height: Vine up to 40 ft.
Is Virginia creeper good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Fruit feeds many bird species through winter, larval host for sphinx moths.
Is Virginia creeper deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Virginia creeper is drought-tolerant and tolerates shade.
Is Virginia creeper toxic?
Berries highly toxic, may be fatal if eaten. Symptoms: nausea, abdominal pain, bloody vomiting/diarrhea, dilated pupils, headache, sweating, weak pulse, drowsiness, facial twitching. Plant tissues can irritate skin in sensitive individuals.
Where can I buy real Virginia creeper seed or plants?
We found a listing sold as seed that names the true species, last checked 16 Sep 2026. Look for the scientific name Parthenocissus quinquefolia on any listing.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Virginia creeper.
- Eastern cottonwood Populus deltoides
- Green ash Fraxinus pennsylvanica
- Black cherry Prunus serotina
- White ash Fraxinus americana
- White oak Quercus alba
- Common winterberry Ilex verticillata
Also listed under
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