Virginia creeper

American  

noun

1. a climbing plant, Parthenocissus quinquefolia, of the grape family, native to North America, having palmate leaves, usually with five leaflets, and bluish-black berries.

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Virginia creeper British  

noun

1. Also called (US): American ivy.   woodbine.  a vitaceous woody vine, Parthenocissus quinquefolia, of North America, having tendrils with adhesive tips, bluish-black berry-like fruits, and compound leaves that turn red in autumn: widely planted for ornament

2. US name: Boston ivy.  Also called: Japanese ivy.  a similar related plant, Parthenocissus tricuspidata, of SE Asia, having trilobed leaves and purple berries

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Etymology

Origin of Virginia creeper

An Americanism dating back to 1660–70

Example Sentences

Native to North America, they also eat small berries from our native plants such as Virginia creeper.

From New York Times

But as tobacco farms and textile mills steadily disappeared, hollowing out rural counties, the suburbs stretching southward from Washington spread out like Virginia creeper, fed by culturally liberal college graduates from all over the world.

From New York Times

The Abbey building was covered across its south face by that type of ivy known as Virginia creeper.

From Literature

Mr. Chris seemed to be thinking about them, too, for he said, “The Virginia creepers seem to like the whole family at home at once, like us. Little ones and big ones, all together.”

From Literature

"Sassafras, sumac, and Virginia creeper are some of the earliest to change, beginning in mid-September. By late September, black gum, bittersweet, and dogwood are turning," the Missouri Department of Conservation says.

From Fox News