Native five-leaved vine confirmed growing wild in Knoxville
iNaturalist: gavinjg23
Native Plants
That five-leaflet vine climbing the fence at your local park or trailhead is probably Virginia creeper, a native plant that feeds birds through winter and gets mistaken for poison ivy more often than any other look-alike.
Someone out walking in Knoxville spotted a Virginia creeper vine, snapped a photo, and logged it on iNaturalist, where other experts confirmed the identification. It's now a verified sighting, meaning scientists and naturalists can trust the record when mapping where this plant grows. Virginia creeper is a native vine known for its five-leaflet leaves and deep purple berries that birds rely on in fall and winter.
Key Findings
Observation reached 'research-grade' status on iNaturalist, meaning the species identification was confirmed by community consensus.
Location documented: Knoxville, adding to the known distribution range of Parthenocissus quinquefolia in the region.
Species is a native North American vine, distinct from poison ivy, with which it is commonly confused.
chevron_right Technical Summary
A citizen scientist confirmed a Virginia creeper vine growing in Knoxville, adding a verified data point to the public record of where this native plant lives.
Abstract Preview
Original paper
Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) observed in Knoxville
Research-grade observation of Virginia creeper in Knoxville.
open_in_new Read full abstractAbstract copyright held by the original publisher.
Species Mentioned
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Parthenocissus quinquefolia, commonly known as Virginia creeper, woodbine, five-leaved ivy, or five-finger, is a species of flowering vine in the grape family Vitaceae.