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The immature leaves of English ivy have three lobes and can remain immature indefinitely. Photo credit: WNY PRISM.

English Ivy

COMMON NAME:

English ivy

SCIENTIFIC NAME:

Hedera helix

ORIGIN:

Europe, Northern Africa and Western Asia

DESCRIPTION:

English ivy is an evergreen perennial vine that can grow to reach lengths of 90 feet with proper support or form a dense, trailing mat. Immature leaves are 3-lobed, heart shaped and can remain immature indefinitely. Sunlight triggers maturity, causing leaves to lose their lobes and become rhomboid in shape. Mature plants develop small, inconspicuous flowers in the fall which produce dark blue to black fruits.

ECOLOGY
RESOURCES
DISTRIBUTION

HABITAT:

English ivy is drought and shade tolerant and grows in full sun. It thrives in disturbed areas, fields, woodlands, forest edges and upland areas.

THREAT:

English ivy can grow to form a thick mat, completely excluding native species and increasing the risk of erosion. In its climbing form, it can increase the risk of tree falls, encourage fungus and decay on trees, and cause structural and aesthetic damage to walls and fences.

MANAGEMENT:

The shallow roots of English ivy make manual removal effective when care is taken to remove all root fragments. Cuttings and vines in contact with the ground can reproduce and should be disposed of in a landfill bound trash bag. Larger infestations may also be treated with herbicide, especially in the early spring before leaves develop their waxy coating. Climbing vines may also be treated with a cut-stump herbicide application.

WNY PRISM PRIORITY:

Awaiting ranking

Invasive Species Priorities - Tier Chart

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

Plant Invaders of Mid-Atlantic Natural Areas, NPS and USFWS
Southeast Exotic Pest Plant Council

NYS Prohibited and Regulated Species - Part 575:

PATHWAYS OF INVASION:

English ivy is a popular landscaping plant that has escaped cultivation and is abundant in many areas of the United States. It reproduces extensively through runners and birds can disperse its seeds long distances.

REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION:

Unknown

MAP (via iMapInvasives):

This map shows confirmed observations (green points) submitted to the NYS Invasive Species Database. Absence of data does not necessarily mean absence of the species at that site, but that it has not been reported there. For more information, please visit iMapInvasives.