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Native Plant Society of Texas

Seven-leaf Creeper

Parthenocissus heptaphylla

Other common name(s):

Sevenleaf Creeper

Family:

Vitaceae (Grape Family)

Plant Ecoregion Distribution Map

This map uses data from the US EPA. EPA  servers have been offline frequently so maps may not display. We are working on a solution.

Chihuahuan Deserts, Cross Timbers, Edwards Plateau
Stockton Plateau
Limestone Cut Plain
Balcones Canyonlands, Edwards Plateau Woodland, Llano Uplift, Semiarid Edwards Plateau

Plant Characteristics

Growth Form

Vine

Height

12
to
36
ft.

Spread

3
to
4
ft.

Leaf Retention

Deciduous

Lifespan

Perennial

Habitat and Care Requirements

Soil Type(s)

Loam, Clay, Limestone, Well Drained, Moist

Light Requirement

Sun, Part Shade, Shade

Water Requirement

Low, Medium, High

Native Habitat

Woodland, Wetland or Riparian

Bloom and Attraction

Bloom Color

Red, Green

Bloom Season

Spring

Seasonal Interest

Fruit, Fall Color, Pollen, Nesting Material

Wildlife Benefit

Birds, Bees

Maintenance

Endemic to Texas mainly in the Edwards Plateau and Cut Plain Ecoregions. Drought tolerant. Spreads quickly May be used as a climbing vine or trailing groundcover, though it is less likely to climb up walls the way Virginia Creeper does because it has tendrils instead of adhesive disks. It is also reported to spread less vigorously, in general, than Virginia Creeper. Leaves turn orange and red in the fall when grown in the sun. Propagation: softwood cutting.

Comments

Blooms April-June. Resembles Virginia Creeper but, has 7 leaflets instead of 5, and is much less common. Large, palmately compound leaves, have serrated edges. Small inconspicuous, greenish flowers, arranged in a corymb, or flat headed cluster. Fruit is a cluster of small blue-black berries.
Previous Scientific Name(s): Ampelopsis heptaphylla, Psedera heptaphylla, Vitis heptaphylla

References

Learn about how to propagate Texas native plants.

Material Treatment Method Collection References
Semi-harwood Cutting Dip the cut end of each cutting into a rooting hormone to encourage root growth. This step is crucial as it significantly increases the chances of successful rooting. Plant in pots with a well-draining soil mix, such as a blend of peat and perlite or sand. Make a hole in the soil with a pencil or similar tool, and insert the treated cutting about 2 inches deep ensuring at least one node is buried where roots can develop. Cover the pots with clear plastic bags or place them in a mini-greenhouse to maintain high humidity and warmth. Ensure the plastic does not directly touch the leaves by supporting it with sticks or a frame. Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Place the pots in a warm area with bright, indirect light. Remove the cover for a few hours each day to prevent mold growth and check moisture levels, re-covering it afterward. Rooting typically occurs within 4-6 weeks. Select healthy shoots in spring or summer from the current or last growing season. Ensure the cuttings are about 4-6 inches long, with several leaves. Use a sharp, clean knife to make cuts just below a leaf node. 1) https://www.picturethisai.com/care/propagate/Parthenocissus_heptaphylla.html 2) https://plantiary.com/plant/parthenocissus-heptaphylla_40935.html
Hardwood Cutting Dip the bottom inch of the cuttings in rooting hormone. Insert the cuttings into a mix of perlite and peat moss, burying at least two nodes below the surface. Keep the soil moist. In 4-8 weeks, the cuttings should develop roots, and you can transplant them to individual pots or directly into the ground. During dormancy, from late fall to early spring, select healthy, pencil-thick stems from the previous year’s growth. Cut 6-8 inch sections, making the top cut just above a bud and the bottom cut below a bud. https://propagate.one/how-to-propagate-parthenocissus-heptaphylla/
Stem Layering Bury the wounded portion of the stem under a couple of inches of soil and secure it with a rock or landscape pin. Keep the area consistently moist. After a few weeks, gently tug on the stem; if you feel resistance, roots have formed. Then, you can sever the rooted section from the main plant. Choose a long, flexible stem and (optional) make a small wound on the underside. 1) https://propagate.one/how-to-propagate-parthenocissus-heptaphylla/ 2) https://greg.app/parthenocissus-heptaphylla-overview/
Seed Stratification Though not mandatory, a period of cold stratification (about 6-8 weeks) in moist sand in the refrigerator can increase germination rates. In spring, sow the seeds in a well-draining seed starting mix, lightly covering them. Keep the soil consistently moist and warm. Expect germination within 2-4 weeks. • Harvest ripe, dark berries in the fall and extract the small seeds. https://propagate.one/how-to-propagate-parthenocissus-heptaphylla/
Seed No Treatment Next, clean and dry the seeds thoroughly before planting. They thrive in warm temperatures, ideally around 70°F (21°C), and require consistent moisture to kickstart their growth. Seeds typically germinate within 2-4 weeks. This plant takes approximately 2-3 years to reach full maturity. Collect seeds from mature berries in late summer. https://greg.app/parthenocissus-heptaphylla-overview/

About the Region

Fall Symposium 2025 Logo - Teach for the Future

Salado, the location of our Fall 2025 Symposium, lies at the intersection of two ecoregions: the Edwards Plateau (Limestone Cut Plain) and Blackland Prairie (Northern Blackland Prairie).

The Edwards Plateau area is also called the Hill Country; however, this general term covers a much larger area extending farther north. Spring-fed creeks are found throughout the region; deep limestone canyons, rivers, and lakes (reservoirs) are common. Ashe juniper is perhaps the most common woody species found throughout the region. Additional woody species include various species of oak, with live oak (Quercus fusiformis) being the most common. Sycamores (Platanus occidentalis) and bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) border waterways. This area is well known for its spring wildflower displays, though they may be viewed in spring, late summer, and fall, as well. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, average annual rainfall in the Edwards Plateau ranges from 15 to 34 inches.

The Blackland Prairie extends from the Red River south to San Antonio, bordered on the west by the Edwards Plateau and the Cross Timbers, and on the east by the Post Oak Savannah. Annual rainfall averages 30 to 40 inches, with higher averages to the east. This region is dominated by prairie species. The most common grass species include little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) and Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans) in the uplands and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) in the riparian areas and drainages. Common herbaceous flowering plants include salvias, penstemons, and silphiums. This area has suffered greatly from overgrazing and agricultural use. Few intact areas remain, though many of the plants can be found along county roadsides throughout the region.

Our fall Symposium host chapter, the Tonkawa Chapter, includes both of these ecoregions.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason