English ivy (Hedera helix)
English ivy, also known as European ivy, Ivy
The most prevalent climber in European forests is the English ivy (Hedera helix), a perennial vine known for its evergreen, glossy, lobed leaves. It uses strong aerial rootlets to cling to tree bark, allowing it to scale heights of over 15 meters. Besides climbing, English ivy also spreads across the forest floor and can become invasive in regions outside its native habitat.
Key Facts About English ivy
Attributes of English ivy
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Vine
Plant Height
20 m to 30 m
Spread
90 cm to 15 m
Leaf Color
Green White Yellow Variegated
Flower Size
3 cm to 5 cm
Flower Color
Green Yellow White
Scientific Classification of English ivy
Phylum
Vascular plants
Class
Dicotyledons
Order
Carrots, ivies and allies
Family
Ivy
Genus
Ivy
Species
English ivy
Toxicity
Ingestion, contact with sap