Virginia Creeper Vine Growing in Trees

Description

• Virginia creeper, also known commonly as woodbind, American ivy, false grapes and thicket creeper, can climb or creep along the ground. Its compound leaves contain five leaflets with toothed margins growing 2 to 6 inches long and emerge reddish but mature to green. Virginia creeper flowers are inconspicuous, green and mature into bluish-black berries in early summer. The vine attaches to structures using branched tendrils. Young stems are brownish-green with fine hairs but mature to become purplish-brown with pale dots.

Establishment and Growth

• Virginia creeper is commonly found in forest and clearing margins, on trees and along streambanks and fencerows. Virginia creeper grows best in full sun or partial shade and thrives in a wide range of soil types, although it prefers acidic soil. Birds enjoy the berries and spread seeds readily.

Effect on Trees and Shrubs

• Virginia creeper is fast growing and climbs more than 60 feet. Control this vine with frequent pruning. Although the Virginia creeper does not usually directly harm trees or shrubs, it competes with the tree for light and water, affecting the tree's vigor. Rarely, a Virginia creeper girdles a tree.

Mechanical Control Options

• Virginia creeper vines are most easily controlled manually when they are small and not thoroughly vined around other vegetation. Pull or cut seedlings. Remove medium-sized plants by digging out the bulk of the root system.

Chemical Control Options

• Address Virginia creeper chemically by using the nonselective, postemergent herbicides glyphosate or triclopyr. Apply glyphosate to foliage in August or September before the first frost. Glyphosate injures or kills any plants it contacts, so use caution around desirable vegetation. Another treatment option is cutting the stem near the soil line, and then treating the stump with glyphosate or triclopyr. Perform applications from late summer through late fall.