English ivy – Hedera helix - Plant & Pest Diagnostics

The photo is of an English ivy leaf. It is dark green, leathery, and waxy with white veins.

English ivy – Hedera helix

Hedera helix L.

Araliaceae (Ginseng family)

MI Status

Non-native

Life cycle

Climbing, evergreen perennial vine.

Leaves

Alternate, evergreen leaves are dark green, leathery, and waxy with white veins. Leaves may be unlobed to three- to five-lobed, depending on the maturity of the plant.

Stems

High-climbing, woody vines are supported by aerial roots. Stems may be extremely long and reach up to 1 foot in diameter on old plants.

Flowers and fruit

White to green flowers are small and inconspicuous. Berry-like fruits are black and contain few seeds. The flowers and fruit are rarely seen.

Reproduction

Seeds and root sprouts.

The photo is of English ivy rooting at nodes. — Ivy rooting at nodes

The photo is of English ivy growing up a tree. Woody vines are supported by aerial roots. — English ivy growing on tree

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Plant & Pest Diagnostics