false virginia creeper vs virginia creeper

False Virginia Creeper vs Virginia Creeper: How to Tell These Common Vines Apart

Virginia creeper and false Virginia creeper are two climbing vines that are frequently confused with each other. Though they share some similar characteristics there are key differences between these two plants that can help you easily distinguish between them. In this detailed guide we’ll go over the major differences between false Virginia creeper and Virginia creeper to help you confidently identify them in your landscape.

An Overview of False Virginia Creeper and Virginia Creeper

Both false Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus inserta) and Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) are deciduous woody vines native to North America. Gardeners love them for their ability to quickly cover walls, fences, arbors, and other structures with abundant greenery.

In autumn, the foliage of both vines transforms into stunning shades of crimson and burgundy, providing eye-catching fall color. But this is where the similarities end. When examined closely, several differences emerge in their growth habit, leaf shape, flowers, stems, and tendrils.

Leaves: The Most Noticeable Difference

The easiest way to distinguish between false Virginia creeper and Virginia creeper is by looking closely at the leaves and leaflets.

Virginia Creeper Leaves:

• Leaves are compound with 5 leaflets arranged palmately
• Leaflets are oval or egg-shaped with coarse, blunt teeth along the margins
• Leaves are a dull green above with fine hairs along the veins below (pubescent)
• Leaf stalks are hairy

False Virginia Creeper Leaves:

• Leaves are compound with just 3 leaflets
• Leaflets are more triangular in shape with sharp, fine teeth along the edges
• Leaves are shiny green and completely hairless on the underside (glabrous)
• Leaf stalks are smooth and hairless

Flowers and Fruits

The flowers and fruits can also be used to tell apart these two vine species, though the differences are more subtle than the leaf characteristics.

Virginia Creeper Flowers and Fruits:

• Flowers are greenish-white borne in loose, open panicles on a central stalk
• Petals are not strongly bent backwards (reflexed)
• Fruits are bluish berries clustered on red stalks

False Virginia Creeper Flowers and Fruits:

• Flowers are greenish-yellow in compact cymes without a clear central stalk
• Petals are strongly reflexed backwards
• Fruits are bluish berries in branched, dichotomous clusters on greenish stalks

Stems and Tendrils

Comparing the stems and climbing tendrils is another useful way to distinguish between false Virginia creeper and Virginia creeper.

Virginia Creeper Stems and Tendrils:

• Stems are light brown and do not peel or shred
• Tendrils are highly divided into 5-8 branches and tipped with adhesive discs

False Virginia Creeper Stems and Tendrils:

• Stems are reddish-brown and peel in thin papery strips
• Tendrils less divided (3-5 branches) and completely lack adhesive discs at the tips

Growth Habits and Requirements

There are some subtle differences between these two species when it comes to their growth rate and cultural requirements:

• Virginia creeper grows very rapidly and vigorously

• Tolerates a wide range of soils, moisture levels, and light conditions

• Can cling directly to surfaces using its sticky tendril discs

• Winter hardy to USDA zone 3

• False Virginia creeper grows a bit more slowly

• Prefers consistently moist, humus-rich soils

• Needs a trellis for support since it lacks adhesive tendrils

• Winter hardy to USDA zone 5

A Quick Identification Guide

Here is a quick cheat sheet covering some of the main identification points:

Virginia Creeper:

• 5 leaflets per leaf
• Coarse, blunt leaf teeth
• Dull green pubescent leaves
• Hairy leafstalks
• Light brown non-peeling stems
• Highly divided tendrils with adhesive discs

False Virginia Creeper:

• 3 leaflets per leaf
• Finer, sharper leaf teeth
• Glossy green glabrous leaves
• Smooth leafstalks
• Reddish peeling stems
• Less divided tendrils without discs

Controlling These Vines in Your Landscape

While both vines provide great seasonal interest, their vigorous growth can quickly get out of control outside their intended space. Here are some tips for keeping them contained:

• Prune back aggressively in late winter
• Regularly remove root suckers and seedlings
• Cut back any growth expanding into unwanted areas
• Consider planting in containers instead of the ground
• Install plastic or metal vine barrier strips
• Apply mulch/landscape fabric to prevent new shoots
• Replace with less aggressive vines like trumpet creeper or clematis

The Bottom Line

Once you understand the key differences, you can confidently incorporate one or both vines in your landscape. Their rapid growth, seasonal foliage, and ability to cover large areas makes them perfect for gardens, fences, arbors, and more. Just be sure to properly identify your vine and stay on top of pruning and management. With some care, both false Virginia creeper and Virginia creeper can be beautiful additions to gardens across many hardiness zones.