Woodbine AKA American ivy AKA Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) is a grape relation you can find around Ontario. Locally, it’s found mostly on roadsides and along abandoned railroad tracks. I’ve also found this vine in mixed woods. It’s gorgeously ornamental in Autumn, so you’re likely to find it in town too.
In Canada, it’s only native to Ontario.
Edible Uses of Virginia Creeper
Woohoo, another raging debate. If you look up whether or not Virginia creeper is edible you’ll find a range from yes to absolutely not.
There is an edible part or two of this woody vine. Mainly the cambium layer. You take the thicker sections of the stem, peel them until you get a soft layer of inner bark. This bark can be boiled for about an hour (Sam Thayer says at least 40 minutes in his newest book! See References below!) and used as a starchy vegetable. Perhaps in a stew.
The shoots can be eaten early in the year and are best cooked as well. Cooking makes said woody parts palatable.
Most parts of this plant are emetic or purgative. Avoid those dark blue berries and the leaves. They aren’t tasty like their wild grape cousin. I wouldn’t listen to the Internet telling you to eat them. Yuck! For the record, Sam Thayer calls these berries inedible and says they cause discomfort. He saw those Internet posts too and tried it and does not recommend it. Thanks for taking one for the team, Sam. (And don’t just believe the Internet folk, lol!)
Medicinal Uses of Virginia Creeper
Virginia Creeper is primarily said to support these body systems:
- Integumentary
- Respiratory
Medicinal tags include Alterative, Astringent, Expectorant, Emetic, Mucilage. See Medicinal tag key for more information.
Common usage is the bark from the vine and twigs, gathered in the fall after the berries ripen, used in a decoction for colds or persistent coughs.
The leaves can be used as a poison ivy or skin remedy at any time.
Alternative Uses of American Ivy
The leaves can be used to make a black dye.
Growing Parthenocissus Quinquefolia
My favourite native vine! I love the rich red colour of the leaves in autumn. You only have to mind what it will vine around, and whether you’d rather install a trellis or something to support it. It’s super easy to grow, sun or shade, dry or moist. It’s easy to root and can be propagated by stem cuttings taken in the spring.
The birds will love the dark blue berries! And while it’s not been noted on iNat in our area of cottage country, it’s been spotted in Huntsville and down and around to Ottawa, that is the Virginia creeper clearwing moth (Albuna fraxini) whose larvae eat the roots of the creeper vine.
WARNINGS
At least one source said it’s an emmenagogue, so best to skip eating this wood if pregnant or trying to conceive.
The berries and leaves are purgative and can cause irritation in the mouth and throat.
And the Usual Cautions:
1) Most medicinal herbs, if edible, are meant to be eaten in moderation, even sparingly. Some require extra preparation. Tannins are toxic if consumed in excess. Before taking any new supplements, you should consult with a healthcare professional.
2) A vast amount of these herbs are diuretic. (See the Medicinal tags above to check if this featured herb is one of them!) Diuretics are generally safe, but they can be risky for people with other medical conditions or who take certain medications. Please consult your doctor if you have any health conditions.
3) People can be allergic or sensitive to nearly any plant; try new herbs one at a time at your own risk. For instance, saponins commonly cause stomach upset.
4) For serious medicinal use, I must recommend receiving a diagnosis and working with a reputed health care provider. I generally do not post specific treatments and dosages because I think that is best between you and your health care provider, and ideally monitored.
5) Anyone pregnant, nursing, or taking prescription drugs should talk to a health care professional before adding new food items to their diet.
6) Many plants have look-a-likes, and sometimes they are poisonous.
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REFERENCES
My new favourite foraging book is Sam Thayer’s Field Guide to Edible Wild Plants: of Eastern and Central North America (The Sam Thayer’s Field Guides) Paperback – June 1, 2023 and this plant IS featured as one of the edible wild plants in this area. I highly recommend this guide for your bookshelves!
https://data.canadensys.net/vascan/taxon/1509
wiki/Parthenocissus_quinquefolia
Sam Thayer’s Field Guide to Edible Wild Plants of Eastern & Central North America
How Indians Use Wild Plants for Food, Medicine & Crafts (Native American)
A Modern Herbal (Volume 2, I-Z and Indexes)
100 Easy-to-Grow Native Plants for Canadian Gardens
The Herb Book: The Most Complete Catalog of Herbs Ever Published (Dover Cookbooks)
The Earthwise Herbal, Volume II: A Complete Guide to New World Medicinal Plants
Pollinators of Native Plants: Attract, Observe and Identify Pollinators and Beneficial Insects with Native Plants
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