Looking for a fast-growing plant to cover your walls or buildings? Look no further than the Parthenocissus quinquefolia, also known as Virginia creeper, Victoria creeper, five-leaved ivy, or five-finger. Native to North America, this prolific deciduous climber can reach heights of 20-30 meters in the wild. Its palmately compound leaves, composed of five leaflets - sometimes seven - can range from 3 to 20 cm across. In late spring, clusters of small greenish flowers appear, turning into small hard purplish-black berries in late summer or early fall that are toxic to humans but not to birds. This plant is grown as an ornamental for its ability to cover walls and buildings and its striking deep red to burgundy fall foliage. It is also useful for erosion control and can serve as a ground cover. This fast grower thrives in any soil or sun exposure. However, it can suffocate smaller plants and can be difficult to eradicate due to its extensive root system. As a shading vine, Parthenocissus quinquefolia keeps buildings cooler by shading the wall surface during the summer without damaging the masonry, as it adheres to the surface with disks, not through penetrating roots. Plant them three meters apart to maintain proper spacing and to prevent swamping other plants.