Virginia creeper

Edible with caution.

Native Americans used the plant as an herbal remedy for diarrhea, difficult urination, swelling, and lockjaw. Bark has been used in domestic medicine as a tonic, expectorant, and remedy for dropsy. Berries have been found serviceable in rheumatic complaints and are found to help cure dropsy. Roots are used for diarrhea and the bark and twigs are made into cough syrup. Bark and fresh young shoots are aperient, alterative, emetic, expectorant and tonic. Hot decoction can be used as a poultice to help reduce swellings. Tea made from the leaves is aperient, astringent and diuretic. Tea is used as a wash on swellings and poison ivy rash. Tea made from the plant is used in the treatment of jaundice. Tea made from the roots is used in the treatment of gonorrhea and diarrhea. Fruit is useful in treating fevers. Resinous matter from the bark of the main stems is considered a useful stimulant, antispasmodic and emmenagogue. Leaves juice is said to cure headache, when applied to the nostrils. An infusion of the leaves and berries will also alleviate a severe headache. Decoction of the leaves applied externally will destroy head lice in children. Leaves have also been used as poultices and fomentations in glandular enlargements, indolent ulcers, etc. Leaf tea used to wash swellings and poison-sumac rash; mixed with vinegar for wounds and lockjaw; astringent and diuretic.

Native cover and wildlife food

Spring

Woodland edge

Unspecified

Ecological value

Confirm tendrils and berry clusters