Veteran volunteer Jean ‘JJ’ Romano sent the following picture of Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia), which she photographed yesterday at the west of Oslo Riverfront Conservation Area near Publix.
This vine, at a quick glance, is sometimes confused with poison ivy. This plant, however, has five leaves, as its species name indicates: Quin (5, think quintuplets) and folia (think foliage). Like poison ivy, Virginia creeper often displays a dramatic color change in winter. The fruits of both of these vines are enjoyed by birds and other wildlife. Ripe Virginia creeper fruits are lie in color; Ripe poison ivy fruits are white.
Enjoy the Oslo Riverfront Conservation Area 