Species library · Plants & herbs

Virginia Creeper: deadly poisonous

Parthenocissus quinquefolia

☠ Deadly poisonous. Do not eat.What to do if poisoning is suspected

Virginia Creeper is classed as deadly poisonous in the Forage field guide. This page helps you identify it and tell it apart from similar species. It is not a foraging guide. When in doubt, have a find identified by an expert.

If you suspect poisoning, call your local poison control center right away. If someone has trouble breathing, has a seizure or is unconscious, call emergency services. Don't wait for symptoms: with some poisonings they only start hours later. Keep any leftovers of the find, they help identify it.

Usually seen from July to November in the northern hemisphere. Found in Woodland edges, Scrub & hedgerows. Can be confused with similar species.

☠ Deadly poisonous
Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia)

Photo: (c) Douglas Goldman, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Douglas Goldman · iNaturalist

When Virginia Creeper appears

Typical window in the northern hemisphere. The southern hemisphere runs about six months offset.

Where it grows

Virginia Creeper is usually found in Woodland edges, Scrub & hedgerows.

Look up Virginia Creeper in the app

In the Forage app, Virginia Creeper has a full field guide entry with more photos, key features and the species it can be confused with.

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Virginia Creeper: common questions

Is Virginia Creeper poisonous?

Yes. Virginia Creeper is classed as deadly poisonous in the Forage field guide. Do not eat it. If you suspect poisoning, call your local poison control center right away, or emergency services if it is life-threatening.

When does Virginia Creeper appear?

Virginia Creeper usually appears from July to November in temperate northern regions. The exact timing shifts with latitude, elevation and each year's weather.

Where does Virginia Creeper grow?

Virginia Creeper is usually found in Woodland edges, Scrub & hedgerows.

What can Virginia Creeper be confused with?

Toxic look-alikes: poison ivy, horse chestnut, woodbine. Only a confident identification tells them apart. When in doubt, have a find checked by an expert.

One note before you head out

Forage helps you discover and identify wild plants, but identification is never 100% certain. Many edible plants have toxic lookalikes. Never eat anything you find based only on what this app tells you. Always confirm with a field guide, an experienced forager or a local expert. The season score tells you where to look, too: it’s not a guarantee. Mind conservation law and property rights as well.

Species photos via Wikimedia Commons and iNaturalist · full credits