Wikipedia: From Greek parthenos, “virgin”, and kissos (Latinized as “cissus”), “ivy;” either because they can form seeds without pollination, or from the English name “Virginia creeper”
Plants: These woody vines grow aggressively, moving
horizontally across surfaces, or rising vertically to heights of 40' (12 m).
Leaves: Leaf clusters usually have
five leaves, sometimes 3 or 7, with coarsely serrated edges, turning a beautiful shade of red in the
fall. Leaves are 3-7" (7.6-17 cm) long and ¾-2" (1.9-5 cm) wide.
Flowers: Greenish-white, and inconspicuous.
Fruits: Berries are purplish black, but look as if they have been dipped in powdered sugar, so they appear
lighter and powdery. Each berry is about ¼" (6.3 mm) in diameter. They are borne on short stalks that may be dull or brilliant red.
Poison ivy, another climbing vine, is occasionally
confused with Virginia creeper. But poison ivy has leaves in groups of three, while Virginia creeper’s
leaf clusters usually include five leaves. Don’t confuse them, because poison ivy causes a miserable
rash.
Edibility: Poisonous The bitter-tasting berries contain enough oxalic acid
to be poisonous to people, though some birds eat them. The rest of the plant is neither harmful nor edible.
Handling the plant may trigger an allergic response.