Gardeners’ Forum: “Virginia Creepers (are they dangerous)”
Back to Gardeners’ ForumVirginia Creepers (are they dangerous)
Posted by gere on Sunday, June 17, 2007 9:50 am ADTWe have 2 Virginia Creepers that were planted by a previous owner. Not knowing anything about them, I searched on the internet and read that if you touch these plants they cause severe skin rashes and blisters in many individuals, so much so that you may need medical attention? My husband was ready to go out and cut them down immediately, but I convinced him to wait until I checked further. Would appreciate any advice that anybody can give. Are Virginia Creepers dangerous to have around and are they hard to get rid of? I hear that they turn a lovely red colour in the Fall. I hate to get rid of them unnecessarily! Thanks.
re: Virginia Creepers (are they dangerous)
Posted by peihobby on Friday, June 22, 2007 10:14 pm ADTIt can cause rashes similiar to poison oak in some people, so if you are prone to allergies, like me, i'd avoid the plant. It can be an invasive plant, some call it a weed.
re: Virginia Creepers (are they dangerous)
Posted by Bob Campbell on Sunday, June 24, 2007 6:09 pm ADTHi, I am not an expert on the subject but have had a VC in our garden for close to 10 years and have never had the problems you described.It is a beautiful climber and has clusters of blue beries in the late summer that birds love ans as mentioned a gorgeous fall foliage. The only thing I can think of for the reactions mentioned is that your info was that of poison ivy. The plants are somewhat similar in appearance and both like to grow in the same habitat. I hope this helps. Good gardening. Bob
re: Virginia Creepers (are they dangerous)
Posted by sharon on Saturday, June 30, 2007 10:25 am ADTHi everyone: I am so glad that I read this e-mail, two weeks ago, I broke out in a rash and blisters, everyone, even our hospital said that I had poison ivy, -----but it wasn't at all itchy! I have vc planted all over the fences and out two sun-decks, so I'm in it quite often, I have never had a reaction before! I'm really happy I now know what it is, I'm keeping it though, it is a beautiful carefree, screen, that blocks out sun and neighbours, and is great for covering our ugly fence, next time I'll wear gloves. Thanks again for your info.
re: Virginia Creepers (are they dangerous)
Posted by gere on Saturday, June 30, 2007 10:01 pm ADTThanks for your replies regarding Virginia Creepers. My husband was weeding around them last week and had no adverse reactions. I may wear garden gloves the first time, just to make sure I'm not allergic to them. I spoke to a friend recently that had them at a previous home and loved them, although they can be invasive. Apparently they are beautiful in the Fall when they turn red. Hey...isn't this a great forum!
re: Virginia Creepers (are they dangerous)
Posted by irene on Monday, September 10, 2007 7:14 pm ADTvc is rather lovely in the fall when it turns red. my neighbor doesn't keep it in control and i have been prying it out of my flower beds every spring, summer and fall. it wraps itself around my clematis, peony, snowball tree and anything it can cling to. i rip at it and tug it out of my trees. it takes over everything! i pull it out of the ground with my bare hands and have never had a adverse reaction to it.
