Common Names

American ivy
False grape
Five leaves
Virginia creeper
Wild woodbine
Woodbine
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Parts Usually Used

Root, leaves, bark and twigs
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Description of Plant(s) and Culture

Climbing or creeping vine with adhesive disks on much-branched tendrils. Ascending to 50 to 100 ft. mostly by means of its radiating tendrils supporting itself firmly on trees, stone walls, churches, etc. This is a woody vine of the grape family, with smooth leaves and many leaflets. Leaves divided into 5 leaflets; elliptical to oval, sharply toothed. Small greenish or white flowers in terminal groups; June. Bark and twigs are collected after the small dark berries have ripened. Has a persistent acrid taste; not unpleasant.
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Where Found

Thickets, weedy. Maine to Florida; Texas to Kansas, Minnesota.
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Medicinal Properties

Astringent, diuretic, tonic
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Uses

Native Americans used plant tea for jaundice; root tea for gonorrhea, scrofula, dropsy, bronchitis, pneumonia, cholera, diarrhea. Leaf tea used to wash swellings and poison-sumac rash; mixed with vinegar for wounds and lockjaw; astringent and diuretic.
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Formulas or Dosages

The decoction is mucilaginous.
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Warning

Berries reportedly toxic. Leaves toxic; touching autumn foliage may cause dermatitis. Use this herb under medical supervision only.
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Bibliography

• Eastern/Central Medicinal Plants, by Steven Foster and James A. Duke, pg., 302.
• Indian Herbalogy of North America, by Alma R. Hutchens, pg., 165.
• How Indians Use Wild Plants for Food, Medicine & Crafts, by Frances Densmore, pg., 296.
• Webster's New World Dictionary, Third College Edition, Victoria Neufeldt, Editor in Chief, pg., 1491.

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