Accession Count: 17
Common Name:
common ivy
Family Name:
Araliaceae
Botanical Name:
Hedera helix
Sub Species:
Variety:
Forma:
Cultivar:
Characteristics:
the Hedera helix is an aggressive, fast-grower, woody evergreen perennial that can grow up to 50-100 feet of height. When it grows on the ground this species can cover up to six to nine inches. This ivy has two stages in it adolescences it will climb on grow quickly on other plants. During this time the leaves will be thick, three to five lobed, dark green and up to four inches long. The root will be adventitious and have non flowering stems. As the plant matures the plant stops climbing and becomes shrubbery. The leaves become lobe-less, elliptic-ovate leaves that appear on rootless stems. Then this species will produce umbrella-like clusters of greenish-white flowers that will bear blue-black berries ().
Compound:
Hed hel
Geographic Origin:
Europe, Western Asia
Ecozone Origin:
Palearctic
Biome Origin:
Natural History:
Common ivy was found in the Caucasus Mountains in Eurasia and first introduced around the 1720s. In 1800 when colonial settlers were going to North America they brought over the common ivy plant. It was first noted to be seen in Virginia during 1800. Common ivy was then planted across North America and cultivated a lot in most places, preferably the wild-lands. Common ivy did not reach Hawaii until 1900 though, but strives in cultivating because of the great climate. It is currently found throughout the eastern United States and in the West from Washington State to Arizona. Common ivy is identified as a weed in the ecosystem, but continues to be sold in marketplaces because its and ornamental plant in the United States. The majority of habitats that common ivy has succeeded in is the openings and edges of forests, cliffs, fields, steep slopes, and disturbed areas (3,4).
Cultivation Notes:
Common ivy is a very common house plant. The best conditions to grow common ivy is to have a slightly fertile and moist soil, humid environment, and consistent temperatures. It does not need much light, but more direct sunlight gives it better color. Make sure to not have excessive heat or else the weed will dry out. Common ivy thrives in moist conditions, but is able to withstand drought and salinity conditions . The weed grows fairly fast and requires a lot of time and labor to manage it (5).
Ethnobotany:
The nectar, berries, and pollen of common ivy is an essential food source for birds and insects during winter when food is not as plentiful. The berries contain a high fat content which is a very nutritious food source for the birds. The pollen on the ivy is a key contributor for the bees in the winter since ivy plants can survive cold and harsh conditions during the winter. Common ivy is also a typical food eaten by cattle (6). The best use the common ivy plant has for humans is for decorative purposes. It can be grown in the household year-round, but most people buy the common ivy plant around the Christmas holiday (7).
Height:
6 - 10 feet
Width:
50 - 100 feet
Growth Rate:
Fast Growing
Grow Season:
Winter
Flower Season:
Spring
Color:
Green
Function:
Patio
Spread:
Spreading
Allergen:
Allergenic
Invasive:
Invasive
Toxicity:
Toxic
Hardy:
Tender
Water Use:
Low water Use
Citations:
- “Hedera Helix.” Tropicos | Name - Hedera Helix L., www.tropicos.org/Name/2200015. Retrieved October 19, 2018.
- “Hedera Helix.” Hedera Helix, www.plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/all/hedera-helix/. October 19, 2018
- “Hedera Helix.” Hedera Helix, www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/vine/hedhel/all.html. Retrieved October 19, 2018.
- “Hedera Helix.” English Ivy (Hedera Helix), www.invasive.org/alien/pubs/midatlantic/hehe.htm. Retrieved October 19, 2018.
- “English Ivy (Hedera Helix) Houseplant Care.” Bloomin' Blog, www.flowershopnetwork.com/blog/flower-plant-care/plant-care/english-ivy-houseplant-care/. Retrieved October 19, 2018.
- “Ivy (Hedera Helix).” Woodland Trust, www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/visiting-woods/trees-woods-and-wildlife/plants-and-fungi/woodland-wildflowers/ivy/. Retrieved October 19, 2018.
- “The History of Holly & Ivy.” AltogetherChristmas.com, www.altogetherchristmas.com/traditions/hollyandivy.html. Retrieved October 19, 2018.
- missouribotanicalgarden.org. Retrieved January 29, 2019.
