6

enter image description here enter image description here

Green fast growing both short and tall growth. Did not have it previous years but taking over an area that had ground cover.

Is this a fast growing weed or a ground cover or some sort of climbing ivy?

New York update Ductchess county NY Thanks so much Nancy

Improve this question

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
5

What you have is either Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) or woodbine (Parthenocissus vitacea) judging by the shape of its leaves. Both grow as a vine but it may take a while longer to become noticeable. Both are in the same genus as Boston ivy which is not a true ivy.

Woodbine https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parthenocissus_vitacea

Virginia creeper https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parthenocissus_quinquefolia

Improve this answer
4
  • Note that this is very different to the woodbine that Shakespeare refers to and UK usage which refers to Lonicera periclymenum (more commonly referred to as european or common honeysuckle)
    – George of all trades
    May 30, 2017 at 7:38
  • Parthenocissus can make quite good ground cover but as they are self-clingers they will climb when they encounter anything vertical.
    – George of all trades
    May 30, 2017 at 7:39
  • 1
    Once established this plant will cover houses, cars and slow moving animals. It is subject to grape beetles and turns a nice red in the fall. Not recommended for a small area
    – kevinskio ♦
    May 30, 2017 at 10:20
  • 1
    kevinsky - I wish that was true in one of my homes (different province in Canada) as it was slow to get established. Even then, the growth was slow. I wanted it to cover a very ugly wire mesh fence. In all the time we lived there, it didn't go more than a couple of yards on either side. I guess it depends on whether it knows you want it or not, and with growth being inverse proportion to your fondness of it!
    – Jude
    May 31, 2017 at 4:25

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.