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Hedera helix
English Ivy
Europe, western Asia, northern Africa; invasive in Pacific Northwest and eastern North AmericaLearn more
Overview
Hedera helix is an evergreen woody vine or groundcover reaching 6–9 inches (15–23 cm) tall as a groundcover, or climbing 20–80 feet (6–25 m) on vertical surfaces. The plant exhibits two distinct growth phases: the juvenile phase (most commonly seen in gardens) has palmately 3–5-lobed leaves 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) across with prominent pale veins on a dark green background; stems produce aerial rootlets that attach to surfaces. The adult phase, reached when vines grow into full sun at height, has unlobed, diamond to ovate leaves on non-climbing woody stems; in fall, small greenish-yellow flowers appear in umbels, followed by black berries 1/3 inch (8 mm) in diameter that persist through winter. Growth rate is vigorous to aggressive. INVASIVE IN THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST: listed as a Class C Noxious Weed in Washington State and on the invasive plant list in Oregon; spreads from bird-dispersed seeds into natural areas where it suppresses native vegetation. Planting is discouraged in proximity to natural areas throughout the region. All plant parts are toxic if ingested; sap causes contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals.
Native Range
Native to Europe, western Asia, and northern Africa. Widely naturalized throughout temperate North America; invasive in the Pacific Northwest and Atlantic coastal states. Listed as a noxious weed or invasive species in Oregon, Washington, British Columbia, and numerous eastern U.S. states.Suggested Uses
If planted, use only in contained, heavily managed sites well separated from natural areas and with physical barriers to prevent spread. Effective for erosion control on steep slopes where spread can be monitored. Many jurisdictions in the Pacific Northwest discourage or prohibit new plantings. Native alternatives providing comparable groundcover function without invasive risk include Gaultheria shallon, Polystichum munitum, and Rubus pentalobus.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6" - 9"
Width/Spread2' - 40'
Reaches mature size in approximately 4 years
Colors
Foliage Colors
Bloom Information
Adult-phase plants flower September through November. Small greenish-yellow flowers approximately 1/8 inch (3 mm) in small umbels; not ornamentally significant. Followed by black round berries approximately 1/3 inch (8 mm) in diameter ripening October through winter; berries are dispersed by birds — the primary mechanism of invasive spread. Toxic if ingested.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Greenish-yellow (adult phase only, inconspicuous)Foliage Description
Juvenile: dark green with prominent pale veins, palmately 3–5-lobed; Adult: dark green, unlobed, diamond to ovateGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Tolerates up to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Extremely adaptable to poor soils, deep shade, drought, and root competition. If used, plant only in contained sites well away from natural areas, trails, parks, and forest edges. Install physical rhizome barriers 6–8 inches (15–20 cm) deep at planting edges. Monitor annually and remove any seedlings or rooting stems that escape the intended area. Contact dermatitis can result from handling — wear gloves. In many Pacific Northwest communities, replacement with non-invasive native groundcovers (Gaultheria shallon, Polystichum munitum) is encouraged.Pruning
Cut back as needed to control spread; plants can be mowed, trimmed, or cut to ground level and will regrow from roots. To remove an established planting, cut stems at the base, allow foliage to die back, then pull or grub out rooted stems; repeated treatment over 2–3 years may be required. Remove adult-phase flowering and fruiting branches promptly to prevent seed dispersal.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
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A
S
O
N
D
early springsummerfall
Maintenance Level
highContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing