Hedera helix

Hedera helix_English ivy_JM DiTomaso_cropped
Photo: Joseph DiTomaso

Common names: English ivy

Hedera helix (English ivy) is a perennial evergreen woody vine (family Araliaceae). It is found throughout California along the coast, as well as in Shasta and Butte Counties. English ivy grows vigorously in forests where nothing else seems able to compete and inhibits regeneration of understory plants, including forest wildflowers and new trees and shrubs. It is native to most of Europe and western Asia.

Cal-IPC Rating: High?

CDFA Rating: None?

Assessment(s)

Plant Assessment Form - Information gathered by Cal-IPC on the impacts, rate of spread, and distribution of invasive plants in California. Does not include management information.

Weed Management Notes

  • Management Notes - Information on management techniques and effectiveness from the University of California Cooperative Extension’s Weed Research & Information Center.

Cal-IPC Newsletter Articles

Cal-IPC Symposium Presentations

Presentations are linked where available. Where a presentation is not available, find more information by reading the abstract in the Cal-IPC Symposia Archive.

Other Hedera helix Information

  • Bugwood - National database from the Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health at the University of Georgia.
  • CalPhotos - Images of plants taken mostly in California.
  • Calflora - Distribution map and records of this species in California.
  • CalWeedMapper - Distribution map of this species in California with ability to determine regional priorities.
  • EDDMapS - Distribution of this species in North America.
  • Jepson Interchange - Information on this plant's taxonomy, biology, and distribution from UC Berkeley's Jepson Herbarium.
  • USDA PLANTS Database - Information on identification and distribution, with links to websites in individual states.
  • Additional photos

    Hedera helix_leaf blade (base) and petiole_RonVanderhoff
    Hedera helix (English ivy) leaf blade (base) and petiole. Photo: Ron Vanderhoff
    Hedera helix_leaves and stem_JoeDiTomaso
    Hedera helix (English ivy) leaves and stem. Photo: Joe DiTomaso
    Hedera helix_seedlings_ZoyaAkulova
    Hedera helix (English ivy) seedlings. Photo: Zoya Akulova
    Hedera helix_growth habit_ZoyaAkulova
    Hedera helix (English ivy) growth habit. Photo: Zoya Akulova