Virginia creeper tends to be a more vibrant red compared to the orange and yellows of the poison ivy. If you remember the caution, “leaflets three, let them be,” you can distinguish the poison ivy from the five-leaflet Virginia creeper.Īnother confusing aspect of the two plants during the fall season pertains to their rich colors. It might be easy to confuse the two plants. The ivy grew as a thick vine climbing high on tree trunks. I remember camping in the Great Smoky Mountains in spring and seeing poison ivy growing right next to the Virginia creeper. It always reminds me of one of my favorite trees, the horse chestnut, whose compound leaves usually have five to seven leaflets. In areas where virtual little thickets have formed within a foot or so from the ground we have found some leaves to be 15 inches across. It may be better to just enjoy it along the public roads or on other people’s property. Many ripe fruits may drop to the ground and plant themselves to create a dense growth. Its ideal growing conditions include rich, moist soil along edges of woodlands where it can also get enough sunlight. Just like some of the other members of the vine family, including wild grapes, the Virginia creeper can become very weedy and aggressive in its growth habits. You might want to be cautious about introducing it to your property. The berries are only one-quarter inch in diameter but contain toxic amounts of oxalic acid and can cause kidney damage and death in humans. Strangely, many forms of wildlife are totally immune to various toxins found in wild plants but could prove to be fatal to people. White-tailed deer, squirrels and other small mammals also eat the fruit, which is considered to be poisonous to humans. Thus it is easy to visualize the seeds of these vines being spread far and wide in the droppings of the birds, many of which will germinate and grow the following season. Eastern bluebirds, American robins and other thrushes, common flickers and the red-bellied and pileated woodpeckers relish the fruits. Since both species are so similar, it is common to use Virginia creeper for each.Įven though the small dark blue to purplish fruits are not abundant on our county’s vines, birds are quick to find and consume them. Due to its sticky pads this species can climb up virtually bare walls and even windows. These vines produce more fruit, but they are usually quite high on the tall vines and not easy to see. Virginia creeper vines can climb 50 feet high on tree trunks. This vine is most often called Virginia creeper, but also Virginia climber. The other less common species in the state, and very uncommon in Door County, is Parthenocissus quinquefolia (kink-eh-FOE-lee-a) whose leaves are more pubescent (covered in short hairs or down) and therefore not shiny. Another common name for this plant is grape woodbine. This is the species that can be found in Door County. When not close to tall trees the plants will form sizable thickets on the ground. The plants lack the sticky pads used for climbing, found on other species, and instead have tendrils that wrap around various objects like tall trees with rough bark. One species, Parthenocissus integra, (par-then-o-SIS-us in-TEG-ra), has leaves that are shiny on the upper surface and whose vines do not produce a lot of fruit. There are actually two species of Virginia creeper in Wisconsin and appear very similar. The name Virginia creeper comes from a French term, “Vigne-Vierge.” It is also known by the name woodbine or red-twig creeper. Just like the wild grape, it can become aggressive and perhaps weedy. It is the Virginia creeper and, like the wild grape, is a vine that can cling to trees and reach 60 to 80 feet high. One plant that not many people know is also putting on a show this month. Drive down a country road and look at the maples to see that the sides of the tree facing more sun are changing color first, as are the top-most branches. Here again it is the amount of sun that is hitting the branches. Sugar maples can be brilliant red in some years and predominantly yellow in other autumns. Ash leaves turn to a subtle purple-maroon tone and are pinnately divided. Their autumn color is very distinctive when seen in a tree line of different deciduous species. Sunny days help to increase the vibrant hues.Īsh trees are being attacked by the emerald ash borer and may not be on the landscape for too many more years. Photo by Roy Lukes.Īutumn is the time to enjoy nature’s transition from the greens of summer to the glorious colors of changing leaves on trees and many plants. The Virginia creeper leaflet has five parts.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |