Virginia Creeper
- Parthenocissus quinquefolia L.
- Vitis quinquefolia. L.
- Grape family
Common Names
 American
ivy
False
grape
Five
leaves
Virginia
creeper
Wild
woodbine
Woodbine
Parts Usually Used
Root, leaves, bark and twigs
Description of Plant(s) and Culture
Climbing or creeping vine with adhesive disks on much-branched tendrils.
Ascending to 50 to 100 ft. mostly by means of its radiating tendrils
supporting itself firmly on trees, stone walls, churches, etc. This
is a woody vine of the grape family, with smooth leaves and many leaflets.
Leaves divided into 5 leaflets; elliptical to oval, sharply toothed.
Small greenish or white flowers in terminal groups; June. Bark and
twigs are collected after the small dark berries have ripened. Has
a persistent acrid taste; not unpleasant.
Where Found
Thickets, weedy. Maine to Florida; Texas to Kansas, Minnesota.
Medicinal Properties
Astringent, diuretic, tonic
Uses
Native Americans used plant tea for jaundice;
root tea for gonorrhea, scrofula,
dropsy, bronchitis, pneumonia,
cholera, diarrhea. Leaf tea
used to wash swellings and poison-sumac rash; mixed with vinegar for
wounds and lockjaw; astringent
and diuretic.
Formulas or Dosages
The decoction is mucilaginous.
Warning
Berries reportedly toxic. Leaves toxic; touching autumn foliage may
cause dermatitis. Use this herb under medical supervision only.
|
Back to Top
