Parthenocissus quinquefolia

The new foliage opens bronze in spring, palmately divided, lightly serrated, and eventually reaching up to 4 inches wide. It quickly turns dark green for the remainder of spring and summer, then blazes in stunning, fiery red, crimson, and scarlet tones in autumn. Even the bare winter silhouette is impressive, with small bluish berries on red pedicels that birds find very nourishing.

A woody climber content in sun or shade, Virginia Creeper travels by suckering, but the disk-shaped suckers will not damage most masonry. It reaches 30 to 50 feet long at maturity, so find a very large and durable support -- a wall or building is best -- where it can remain permanently.

Insignificant green flowers arise in late spring, in small clusters, and the berries would not be overly ornamental were it not for the birds who arrive to feast on them. The foliage is the star of the show, and never disappoints!

Virginia Creeper is native to esatern and central North America (including Canada and Mexico) as well as Guatemala. Also known as 5-Leaved Ivy, it is untroubled by most diseases and pests, growing lushly and easily. Create a landmark in your garden with this irrepressible vine! Zones 4-9.