VALUE AND USE
SPECIES: Parthenocissus quinquefolia | Virginia Creeper 



WOOD PRODUCTS VALUE : 
NO-ENTRY


IMPORTANCE TO LIVESTOCK AND WILDLIFE : 
Songbirds are the principal consumers of Virginia creeper fruit, but
deer, squirrels, and other small animals also eat them [16,30].  Cattle
and deer sometimes browse the foliage [11].


PALATABILITY : 
NO-ENTRY


NUTRITIONAL VALUE : 
A combination tebuthiuron-fire treatment increased protein content of
Virginia creeper in a Cross Timbers oak woodland in Oklahoma.  Percent
crude protein of plants collected on treated and control plots was as
follows [2]:

                Sampling date
Treatment       Year    6-1   7-4    8-15    9-1
-------------------------------------------------
Control         1985    12.6  10.7   ----    ---
Control         1986    10.3  8.6    ----    ----
Teb + fire      1985    13.6  12.5   14.4    12.0
Teb + fire      1986    14.6  10.3   13.1    14.4



COVER VALUE : 
Virginia creeper provides cover for many small birds and mammals [11].


VALUE FOR REHABILITATION OF DISTURBED SITES : 
Virginia creeper is used for watershed protection and erosion control
[11].

Propagation:  Seeds can be sown in the fall or preferably in the spring
after stratification.  Drilling and covering with about 3/8 inch (1 cm)
of soil or mulch is recommended.  Optimum planting density is 10 plants
per square foot (0.1. sq m).  Virginia creeper can also be propagated
from hardwood cuttings or layerings [11].


OTHER USES AND VALUES : 
Virginia creeper is often cultivated as an ornamental because of its
attractive foliage.  The bark has been used in domestic medicine as a
tonic, expectorant, and remedy for dropsy [33].


MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS : 
Management considerations call for the control of Virginia creeper when
it competes with desirable pines and hardwoods.  Aerial application of
Arsenal at about 4 to 6 pints per acre (1.9-2.8 l/ha) has been
recommended [19].

Related categories for Species: Parthenocissus quinquefolia | Virginia Creeper