Creeper growing on the west wall of Curtiss Hall.
"Parthenocissus"
derives from the Greek words "parthenos" (virgin) and "kissos"
(ivy), and "quinquefolia" (5-leafed) refers to the 5 leaflets
of the palmately compound, alternate leaves. There are about 15 species
in the genus native to temperate North America and Asia. If used properly,
the Virginia creeper is a valuable cover for trellises, tree stumps, walls
and rock piles. It is planted on campuses to enhance the appearance of older
buildings. It climbs by means of branching tendrils which develop adhesive
disks upon contact with any surface. The adhesive disks may mark walls with
a residue that is almost impossible to remove.
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