The name Parthenocissus is from the Greek literally meaning "virgin ivy", and may derive from the common English name of this species.

The specific epithet quinquefolia means "five-leaved", referring to the leaflets on each compound (palmate) leaf.

Parthenocissus quinquefolia is a prolific deciduous climber, reaching heights of 20–30 m (70–100 ft) in the wild.

The species is often confused with P. vitacea or "False Virginia creeper", which has the same leaves, but does not have the adhesive pads at the end of its tendrils.

These berries contain toxic amounts of oxalic acid and have been known to cause kidney damage and death to humans.

Parthenocissus quinquefolia is grown as an ornamental plant, because of its ability to rapidly cover walls and buildings, and its deep red to burgundy fall (autumn) foliage.

[13][14] In the UK, this plant is listed on Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 as an invasive non-native species.

While this does not prevent it from being sold in the UK, or from being grown in gardens, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) encourages those that do grow it to take great care with managing it and with disposing of unwanted material.