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Thicket Creeper

Parthenocissus vitacea

Last reviewed: August 2026

Thicket Creeper (Parthenocissus vitacea)
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Toxicity unknown

Thicket Creeper (Parthenocissus vitacea) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

240"–600" H × 120"–360" W

Bloom

N/A

Native to

AL, AZ, CA, CO and 42 more states

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Southern California MountainsNorth American DesertsNorthwestern Forested MountainsSouthern RockiesArizona/New Mexico MountainsChihuahuan DesertsHigh PlainsSouthwestern TablelandsCentral Great PlainsEdwards PlateauCentral Irregular PlainsNorthwestern Glaciated PlainsNorthwestern Great PlainsGreat PlainsNorthern Glaciated PlainsWestern Corn Belt PlainsNorthern Lakes and ForestsNorth Central Hardwood ForestsDriftless AreaSoutheastern Wisconsin Till PlainsCentral Corn Belt PlainsSouthern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift PlainsNortheastern HighlandsNortheastern Coastal ZoneErie Drift PlainNorthern ForestsMiddle Atlantic Coastal PlainSoutheastern PlainsRidge and ValleyWestern Allegheny PlateauInterior River Valleys and HillsEastern Great Lakes LowlandsSouthern California/Northern Baja Coast

Parthenocissus vitacea is a vigorous native climbing vine that can cover large areas with attractive five-leaflet foliage. It produces brilliant red fall color and small blue berries, climbing by tendrils and adhesive discs on walls, fences, or trees.

In an HOA neighborhood

Thicket Creeper takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

  • Very aggressive spreader that can damage structures
  • Can look messy and overgrown without frequent pruning
  • May be viewed as invasive or weedy by neighbors

Wildlife value

The berries provide food for over 35 bird species including woodpeckers and songbirds. The foliage supports various native moth and butterfly caterpillars.

Common questions

How much sun does Thicket Creeper need?
Thicket Creeper grows best in part sun conditions.
Where is Thicket Creeper native?
Thicket Creeper (Parthenocissus vitacea) is native to AL, AZ, CA, CO and 42 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Thicket Creeper HOA-friendly?
Thicket Creeper takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Thicket Creeper? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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