Angiosperms (Flowering Plants) • Earth.com

English ivy

(Hedera helix)

galery
en

Description

“Pet poisonous” – Toxic parts:entire plant esp. leaves, berries Hedera helix, commonly known as English ivy, is a species of evergreen vine in the family Araliaceae. Native to Europe, western Asia, and North Africa, it has become widely naturalized in North America and has become an invasive species in many areas. Despite its invasive nature, Hedera helix is a popular ornamental plant and has been cultivated for centuries for its attractive foliage and ability to climb and cover walls, fences, and other structures. Taxonomy: The scientific name for English ivy is Hedera helix. The genus name Hedera comes from the Latin word for "ivy," while the species name helix comes from the Greek word for "twist" or "turn," referring to the plant's tendency to twine and climb. English ivy is part of the family Araliaceae, which includes other ornamental plants such as schefflera, fatsia, and aralia. Description: English ivy is an evergreen climbing vine that can grow up to 50 feet long in its natural habitat, though in cultivation it is often kept much smaller. It has distinctive lobed leaves that are typically dark green and glossy, though some cultivars have variegated or yellow-green foliage. The leaves are arranged alternately on the stem and can grow up to 6 inches long. The plant produces small greenish-yellow flowers in the fall, followed by black berries that are toxic to humans and pets if ingested. Distribution: English ivy is native to Europe, western Asia, and North Africa, but it has been widely introduced and naturalized in North America, Australia, and New Zealand. In many areas, it has become an invasive species that can outcompete native vegetation and cause damage to buildings and other structures. Cultivation: English ivy is a popular ornamental plant that has been cultivated for centuries. It is commonly used as a groundcover or as a climbing vine to cover walls, fences, and other structures. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and can tolerate full sun to partial shade. It is also tolerant of a wide range of soil types and can grow in both acidic and alkaline soils. English ivy can be propagated by stem cuttings or by layering. Uses: English ivy has been used for a variety of medicinal purposes throughout history, including as a treatment for respiratory infections, as a diuretic, and as a laxative. However, it is important to note that the plant is toxic if ingested and should not be used for medicinal purposes without proper supervision. English ivy is also a popular ornamental plant and is commonly used in landscaping and as a houseplant. Its ability to climb and cover walls makes it a popular choice for adding greenery and texture to buildings and other structures. In addition to its ornamental uses, English ivy has also been used for erosion control and as a food source for wildlife. The plant provides habitat for birds, insects, and other animals, and its berries are an important food source for birds in the winter months. Invasiveness: Despite its many uses and benefits, English ivy has become an invasive species in many areas. It can quickly spread and outcompete native vegetation, causing significant damage to ecosystems. The plant's ability to climb and cover walls also makes it a problem for buildings and other structures, as it can damage masonry and cause other types of structural damage. Control: Controlling the spread of English ivy can be difficult, as the plant can regenerate from small pieces of stem or root. Physical removal, such as digging up the roots and cutting back the stems, can be effective but may need to be repeated over time.

Taxonomic tree:

Domain:
Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum:
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order:Apiales
Family:Araliaceae
Genus:Hedera
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