Virginia creeper for birds in South Dakota
Blue fruit on red stems in early fall. Native to South Dakota, where it feeds or shelters 23 backyard bird species.
- Scientific name
- Parthenocissus quinquefolia
- Native status
- Native in South Dakota
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3b–5b
- What birds get from it
- fruit and berries
- South Dakota birds supported
- 23
- Nesting birds among them
- 23
Growing conditions in South Dakota
Continental, with prairie east of the Missouri River and the forested Black Hills in the west.
Warm summers with thunderstorms; the Black Hills host western mountain birds.
South Dakota birds that use Virginia creeper
Year-round residents (7)
Northern Cardinal, House Finch, American Robin, Northern Flicker, Cedar Waxwing, European Starling, Canada Jay
Summer breeders (16)
Eastern Bluebird, Baltimore Oriole, Orchard Oriole, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Gray Catbird, Brown Thrasher, Eastern Kingbird, Spotted Towhee, Mountain Bluebird, Black-headed Grosbeak, Bullock's Oriole, Gray Catbird, Western Tanager, Yellow-breasted Chat, Red-eyed Vireo, Yellow-billed Cuckoo
Nesting season it supports in South Dakota
Plants that feed adults and host caterpillars matter most while nestlings are in the nest. Local nesting windows for birds that use Virginia creeper:
- Northern Cardinal — April–August
- Eastern Bluebird — April–August
- House Finch — April–August
- American Robin — April–July
- Northern Flicker — April–June
- Baltimore Oriole — May–July
- Orchard Oriole — May–June
- Rose-breasted Grosbeak — May–July
- Gray Catbird — May–July
- Brown Thrasher — April–July
Native plants to pair with Virginia creeper in South Dakota
Dense evergreen roost cover and bluish 'berries' eaten through winter.
Late-summer berry clusters taken by over 40 bird species.
Frequently asked
Is Virginia creeper native to South Dakota?
Yes. Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) is recorded as native in South Dakota. South Dakota spans USDA 3b–5b.
What birds does Virginia creeper attract in South Dakota?
In South Dakota, Virginia creeper supports 23 backyard birds, including Northern Cardinal, Eastern Bluebird, House Finch, American Robin, Northern Flicker, Baltimore Oriole.
Does Virginia creeper help nesting birds in South Dakota?
23 of those birds nest in South Dakota: Northern Cardinal (April–August), Eastern Bluebird (April–August), House Finch (April–August), American Robin (April–July).
Sources
- USDA PLANTS Database (native distribution)
- VASCAN (Canadian native distribution)
- eBird region overview and bar charts — South Dakota
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023)
- Audubon Native Plants Database
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.