Virginia creeper (Parthenocissusquinquefolia) is a climbing woody vine that can be high-climbing or trail on the floor.

It can be used as an ornamental climbing vine or ground cover.

Being exposed to the leaves of Virginia creeper can cause arashin some people.

plant on wall

Boris Zhitkov / Getty Images

Consuming its poisonous berries can result in and upset stomach and/or diarrhea.

This article describes how to identify Virginia creeper and tell it apart from other plants.

It also explains common symptoms, treatments, and ways to avoid contact with this plant.

Poison Ivy

Virginia creeper closely resembles poison ivy, so it is easy to mistake one for the other.

These plants include:

Is Virginia Creeper Poisonous?

Virginia creeper is considered poisonous to humans and should be avoided.

Chewing Virginia creeper berries or leaves releases oxalate crystals.

This can cause a wide range of symptoms that develop quickly.

The severity of your rash depends on your allergic reaction.

Some people have a predisposition to a specific allergen based on their heredity.

It may be linked to the oxalate crystals that cause problems when chewed and eaten.

Do not eat the leaves or berries because of adverse reactions.

Seek emergency care if you have signs of an intense allergic reaction such as problems breathing.

University of Florida.Vines of mistaken identity: Virginia creeper.

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).Plant fact sheet:Pathenocissus quinquefolia(L.) planch.

Brandywine Conservancy.Poison ivy vs. lookalike species.

K-State Research and Extension.Poison ivy or Virginia creeper?

K-state horticulture expert explains the difference.

Penn State.Poison ivy – a wildlife food – one of the first plants to change color.

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP).Recognizing poison ivy, oak, and sumac.

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.Plant database:Parthenocissus quinquefolia.

Consultant 360.Virginia creeper phytodermatitis.

Poison Control (National Capital Poison Center).Virginia creeper and wisteria toxicity.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham.Avoiding and treating for contact with poisonous plants.

UpToDate.Patient education: poison ivy (beyond the basics).

American Academy of Dermatology Association.Poision ivy, oak, and sumac: how to treat the rash.

American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD).

Poison ivy, oak, and sumac: how can I prevent a rash?

LSU Ag Center.Distinguishing poison ivy from its lookalikes.

Go Botany: Native Plant Trust.Parthenocissus inserta - thicket-creeper.

American Academy of Dermatology Association.Rash 101 in adults: when to seek medical treatment.