A deciduous, climbing woody vine that attaches to flat surfaces by tendrils ending in adhesive tips. Leaves composed of five leaflets emerge bronze in spring, mature to dull green in summer and change to purple or crimson-red in autumn. One of the first woody plants to take on fall color. Clusters of small, greenish-white flowers appear in the upper leaf axils in late spring to early summer, but are hidden by the foliage. Honey bees gather pollen from the flowers and birds love the dark blue to black berries that form in summer.

Parthenocissus quinquefolia. Photo: Carol Davit