File:Common ivy (Hedera helix).jpg

• Plant information
  

Common ivy (Hedera helix) is a perennial woody vine with evergreen, dark, shiny lobed leaves, native to most of Europe and western Asia. It utilizes aerial rootlets to attach to the tree bark with exceptional strength. it is often planted all over the exterior walls of a building.

• Also known as:
  
• English ivy * European ivy * Ivy
  

Binomial name:
Hedera helix
Genus: Ivy, in the family Araliaceae

Name Story

• The word “ivy” originates from the word “ifig” from the Anglo-Saxon language, and it has the same origin as the German word “efeu”. However, the meaning behind the word is unable to be traced back and all the lianas are called ivy to this day.
  

Symbolism

• Combination of love, loyalty, friendship and emotion
  

Environmental and Livestock Threats

• It is listed as an invasive species and has a strong reproductive capacity. In the US, the plant has been banned in Oregon, and action has been taken to eradicate it from forests in the Pacific Northwest and southern US. It is toxic to all animals, including dogs, cats, horses, livestock, and poultry. With moderate toxicity, it will cause dyspnea, coma, and even death if eaten by mistake.
  

Characteristics
Plant Type :::::::::::* Herb
Lifespan:::::::::::::::* Perennial
Bloom Time::::::::::* Summer, autumn
Flower Color::::::::* Yellow, Green
Leaf Color::::::::::::* White, Yellow, Green, Variegated, Cream
Fruit Color:::::::::::* Black

Planting Time

• Spring, summer, autumn
  

Soil

• Chalky, loam, clay, sand; well drained; slightly acidic, neutral, slightly alkaline
  

Care Guide
Sunlight

• Partial sun to full shade
  

Water

• Average water needs, watering should be done each week or when the top 3 cm of soil has dried out. Water thoroughly until the soil is saturated and excess water is fully drained from the drain hole.
  

Pests and Diseases

• Brown spot; aphids, scale insects, weevil weevil