Hedera helix – Common Ivy

Explore Hedera helix (Common Ivy) – its characteristics, habitat, cultivation, propagation, and functional uses and benefits.

Hedera helix | Botanical Characteristics

Common Names: Common Ivy, English Ivy

Family: Araliaceae

Appearance: An evergreen woody climber or groundcover with leathery, lobed juvenile leaves and unlobed adult leaves on flowering shoots. Stems climb using aerial rootlets. Produces small, greenish-yellow flowers in spherical umbels, followed by dark blue to black berries.

Type: Perennial

Evergreen / Deciduous: Evergreen

Layer: Vine / Climber / Groundcover

Root System: Shallow fibrous roots with aerial adventitious roots for climbing

Height: Climbs up to 20–30 m

Width: Spreading groundcover; several meters wide

Lifespan: Long-lived

Growth Rate: Moderate to fast

Fertility: Self-fertile

Flowers: Hermaphroditic

Pollinator: Bees, flies, and other insects

Toxicity: Leaves and berries toxic if ingested; may cause gastrointestinal upset and skin irritation

Hedera helix | Habitat and Cultivation

Range

• Native Range: Europe, western Asia, and North Africa

• Companionship: Functions as groundcover beneath trees and shrubs; may compete strongly with young or weak plants

• Invasive Range: Invasive in parts of North America, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa

• USDA Hardiness Zone: 5–11

• Minimum Chill Hours Required: None

Resistance/Tolerance

• Poor Soil: High tolerance

• Drought: Moderate tolerance once established

• Shade: High tolerance

• Flood: Low tolerance

• Wind: High tolerance

• Maritime: High tolerance

• Air Pollution: High tolerance

• Fire: Low tolerance

Thriving Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full shade to partial sun

• Soil Moisture: Moderate; tolerates dry conditions once established

• Soil Type: Adaptable; loam, clay, or sandy soils

• Soil pH: Slightly acidic to alkaline

Propagation

• Seeds: Possible but slow

• Cuttings: Primary method; stem cuttings root readily

Hedera helix | Functional Uses and Benefits

Permalogica cannot take any responsibility for any adverse reactions or health effects from using plants. Always consult a professional before using plants for medicinal purposes.

Edible: Not edible

Medicinal: Ivy is a bitter herb traditionally used in remedies for rheumatism and skin conditions, and while recent research shows its leaves contain compounds effective against parasites and infections, it should only be used internally under professional supervision due to its mild toxicity.

Cosmetics: Limited use in cosmetic extracts

Animal Feed: Not suitable

Fiber: No

Timber: Not applicable

Firewood: Not applicable

Wind Break: No

Fence: Can be used as a living wall cover

Cover Crop: No

Mulch: No

Nitrogen Fixer: No

Dynamic Accumulator: No confirmed data

Pollinator Attractor: Yes – valuable late-season nectar source

Pest Repellent: No

Wildlife Supporter: Provides nectar, berries, and shelter for insects and birds

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