Manitoba · Vine

Virginia creeper for birds in Manitoba

Blue fruit on red stems in early fall. Native to Manitoba, where it feeds or shelters 25 backyard bird species.

Scientific name: Parthenocissus quinquefolia
Native status: Native in Manitoba
Hardiness zones: Canada 1a–3b
What birds get from it: fruit and berries
Manitoba birds supported: 25
Nesting birds among them: 25

Growing conditions in Manitoba

Continental, from prairie in the southwest to boreal forest and Hudson Bay tundra in the north.

Warm summers with a short, intense nesting season.

Manitoba birds that use Virginia creeper

Nesting season it supports in Manitoba

Plants that feed adults and host caterpillars matter most while nestlings are in the nest. Local nesting windows for birds that use Virginia creeper:

Eastern Bluebird — May–August
Purple Finch — June–July
American Robin — May–July
White-throated Sparrow — June–July
Northern Flicker — May–June
Pileated Woodpecker — May–June
Baltimore Oriole — June–July
Rose-breasted Grosbeak — June–July
Gray Catbird — June–July
Brown Thrasher — May–July

Native plants to pair with Virginia creeper in Manitoba

Smooth sumac

Rhus glabra · Shrub

Red fruit heads hang on through winter.

American elderberry

Sambucus canadensis · Shrub

Late-summer berry clusters taken by over 40 bird species.

Pin cherry

Prunus pensylvanica · Tree

Fast-growing northern cherry with midsummer fruit.

Chokecherry

Prunus virginiana · Shrub

Dark summer fruit and heavy caterpillar load.

Red-osier dogwood

Cornus sericea · Shrub

White fruit and red winter stems; good thicket cover.

Highbush cranberry

Viburnum trilobum · Shrub

Red fruit persists until late winter when other food is gone.

Frequently asked

Is Virginia creeper native to Manitoba?

Yes. Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) is recorded as native in Manitoba. Manitoba spans Canada 1a–3b.

What birds does Virginia creeper attract in Manitoba?

In Manitoba, Virginia creeper supports 25 backyard birds, including Eastern Bluebird, Purple Finch, American Robin, White-throated Sparrow, Northern Flicker, Pileated Woodpecker.

Does Virginia creeper help nesting birds in Manitoba?

25 of those birds nest in Manitoba: Eastern Bluebird (May–August), Purple Finch (June–July), American Robin (May–July), White-throated Sparrow (June–July).

Sources

Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.