Virginia creeper, or Parthenocissus quinquefolia, is a woody vine that grows quickly and can quickly take over yards, gardens, and other areas of land. In many places, virginia creeper is seen as an invasive plant because it grows quickly and spreads quickly by seed. Some people like virginia creeper because of its pretty fall color, but most gardeners want to get rid of it once it’s established.
Virginia creeper is hard to control and get rid of, but it can be done. This is a full guide on how to get rid of Virginia creeper for good.
Identifying Virginia Creeper
The first step in managing virginia creeper is learning to identify it. This vine has five leaflets per leaf, which distinguishes it from three-leafed poison ivy The leaflets have toothed margins and grow 2-6 inches long New leaves emerge reddish but mature to green. Virginia creeper produces small green flowers in spring that become dark blue berries in summer. Its fall foliage turns bright red or maroon.
New stems are green to yellow-brown and hairy. As stems mature they turn gray-brown and lose their hairs. Given support, vines can grow to 3 inches thick. Virginia creeper uses small, sticky tendrils to climb up vertical surfaces and uses adventitious roots to spread out horizontally along the ground.
How Virginia Creeper Spreads
Virginia creeper spreads in two main ways seeds and stems. Each berry contains 1-2 seeds, and a large plant can produce thousands of berries Birds eat the berries and then deposit the seeds far and wide Seeds germinate readily to create new infestations.
Ground stems, or rhizomes, also spread out horizontally from the parent plant. These stems can root down and make a new plant wherever their nodes touch the ground. Above ground, vines send out branched stems that connect to plants and buildings. Because of this, Virginia creeper can grow up and into new areas.
Why Control Virginia Creeper?
There are a number of good reasons why gardeners want to get rid of this vine.
- Grows rapidly, smothering and shading out desirable plants
- Climbs trees and shrubs, eventually girdling and killing them
- Adhesive tendrils damage surfaces like paint, wood, and mortar
- Can crack surfaces like gutters and windows from its weight
- Roots penetrate septic drain fields and roof shingles
- Sap can cause skin irritation
- Toxic berries pose risk to children and pets
- Provides shelter for pests like rodents and mosquitoes
When left unchecked, virginia creeper can quickly take over landscapes. Removing established plants takes persistence, but doing so restores gardens and prevents further spread.
Getting Rid of Virginia Creeper
Controlling virginia creeper requires attacking both its above ground growth and its root system. Follow these steps for best results:
Remove Above Ground Growth
The first step is cutting back and removing as much top growth as possible. Use loppers, pruners, or a saw to remove vines from structures, trees, fences and other plants. Pull up any ground-running stems. Bag up the debris and dispose of it or burn it if allowed in your area.
Be sure to wear gloves, long sleeves and pants since the sap can irritate skin. Also wear eye protection. Removing large vines requires cutting them in sections rather than all at once to avoid accidents with falling debris.
Cut vines back as close to the ground or point of origin as possible. The goal is to remove all visible plant material while minimizing disturbance to the root system. Removing top growth facilitates treating the roots.
Apply Herbicide
Once vines are cut back, it’s time to treat the roots. Systemic herbicides that contain glyphosate, like Roundup, work well for this. Use a paintbrush or foam applicator to lightly coat the freshly-cut stumps. This transfers herbicide directly into the root system.
Avoid letting herbicide contact desirable plants by shielding them with cardboard or plastic sheeting while you work. Follow all label instructions for mixing and application. It may take several applications over months to fully kill the root system. Monitor for new shoots and re-treat as needed.
Alternatives to Herbicides
For those wishing to avoid herbicides, alternative control methods include:
- Digging out roots – Labor intensive but avoids chemicals
- Solarization – Cover area with clear plastic to kill roots
- Smothering – Cover area with mulch, cardboard, carpet, etc.
- Vinegar – Use horticultural vinegar to burn foliage and roots
- Boiling water – Pour on roots to scald and kill them
- Rock salt – Creates salt buildup that dehydrates roots
These methods require persistence over time but can control virginia creeper without chemicals. They are most practical for small infestations. Covering methods like solarization and smothering take 4-6 months to fully kill plants.
Ongoing Maintenance
Getting rid of virginia creeper requires advance preparation and subsequent vigilance. Before removing vines, ensure you can properly dispose of or destroy all plant debris. Prevent seeds from spreading by bagging inflorescences in early summer.
After initial removal, monitor the area for any regrowth. It can take 2-3 years of re-treating sprouts before the root system is exhausted. Avoid spreading vines to new areas on tools and equipment. Be alert for seedlings germinating from the seedbank and remove them promptly.
With persistence and dedication over time, it is possible to eradicate virginia creeper from your landscape. The effort pays off by restoring gardens and preventing further spread of this invasive vine. Your other plants will benefit from the extra sunlight and room to thrive once freed from the grip of virginia creeper.
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