English Ivy
Hedera helix
| Common Name: | English ivy |
| Scientific Name: | Hedera helix |
| Family: | Araliaceae |
| Growth Form: | Herbaceous vine |
| Native Range: | Europe, western Asia, |
| Invasive Range: | North America |
| Introduction: | English ivy was introduced by settlers. It spreads vegetatively or by seed. It is still commonly used by homeowners and landscapers as a low maintenance form of ground cover. |
| Description: | ·Leaves: Alternate. Dark green with light green veins, waxy coating, leather-like texture. Several leaf forms. Most common is heart shaped with 3 palmate lobes. In sun, oval shape with no lobes. 5-7 cm (2-3 in.)
·Stem: Can reach up to 30 cm (1 ft.) diameter. Thin, root-like filaments exude gluey substance to adhere to buildings and trees. ·Flowers: Pale green, umbrella shaped cluster; appear in spring if enough sunlight. ·Fruit: Fleshy, black. Seeds are small stones. |
| Threats: | Dense leaves form a canopy that shades out native vegetation on forest floor. When English Ivy climbs a tree, it shades out the leaves, killing the tree within a few years. The added weight of the ivy can make the tree more susceptible to blowing over in storms. |
| Fun Facts: | English ivy contains glycosides which may cause vomiting, diarrhea, neurologic conditions, or dermatitis. It is a common covering of old brick buildings. |
Whole Tree
Leaf
Leaf Glands
Bark
English ivy on a tree
Leaf
Habit