If you've spent any time outdoors in the past couple of weeks, chances are you've noticed the telltale coloration of Virginia creeper off in the distance, whether in the hedgerows or the edges of woodlots.
Often mistaken for poison ivy, Virginia creeper, aka parthenocissus quinquefolia, is a prolific climber.
Also called "five finger" because of the number of leaves per cluster, Virginia creeper's vivid shades of red and burgundy start to appear well ahead of the peak autumn foliage colors.
Maybe it's me, but this year the colorful vine seems to be permeating the countryside, its colors more resplendent than in years past.
Whether hiking or driving, it has been hard to take my eyes off of it -- and numerous times over the past couple of weeks I've heard Claudia say, "Watch the road!"
