Virginia Creeper vs. Poison Ivy: Five Leaflets, Tendrils, and Possible Rash

Virginia Creeper vs. Poison Ivy: Five Leaflets, Tendrils, and Possible Rash

A gardener in Michigan had worked 15 years to eradicate poisonous plants causing allergic reactions. They found a ground-rooting vine with symmetrical clumps of five leaves, leaf shape/color like poison ivy, but five leaflets.

Expert Identification

The vine is Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia). It resembles poison ivy but has five toothed leaflets arranged like fingers. Each leaflet often has a red stem. Sometimes the same vine has clumps of three. Poison ivy climbs with hairy brown rootlets; Virginia creeper uses tendrils with tiny suction cups. Virginia creeper lacks poison ivy oils but many are sensitive and get burning/itching rash from sap. It has attractive fall color, less likely to choke bushes. If causing rash, remove it. Pull with gloves/long sleeves; it re-sprouts from roots but not aggressively. Remove before fall fruiting (birds eat fruit and reseed). Roundup works in fall before leaf change. For rash: wear protective clothing, wash exposed skin with soapy water after; Technu or alcohol cleansers may help. Antihistamine/steroid creams, oatmeal soaks, calamine, Aveeno, Aquaphor for existing rash. Seek doctor for generalized swelling.