Hedera helix - Common Ivy

Hedera helix is so well-known that it is almost unnecessary to introduce it. While everyone is aware of the multiple uses that can be made of this climbing shrub, it is sometimes preceded by an unflattering reputation. However, ivy is as useful to small wildlife as it is to gardeners. Capable of adapting to all soils and climates, it is a valuable plant for quickly covering areas where nothing grows, whether vertically or horizontally!

Ivies belong to the Araliaceae family, and are cousins of ginseng and fatsias. Hedera helix is native to the entire Eurasian temperate zone of the northern hemisphere. A fast-growing climbing or creeping plant, it can cover an area of 10m (33ft) in all directions, or even more, by spontaneously layering itself from place to place. Its leaves are evergreen in winter. They are borne on thick, greyish, star-shaped hairy branches. The stems attach themselves to supports provided for them by powerful climbing roots that are transformed roots, bearing suction cup hairs. They have no nutritive function, as ivy feeds solely through its underground root system.

There are two different leaf forms on the plant, depending on their function. The often creeping cauline leaves are divided into 5 lobes that are marbled with light green on a dark green background. Those of the flowering stems are exposed to light, and are more oval, shaped like a spade, and a brighter green. Flowering occurs in September-October, and fruiting in late winter or early spring. The tiny cream to yellowish-green flowers have five petals. They are grouped in umbels arranged in round clusters that are popular with all sorts of bees. The fruits are very small black-blue berries, gathered in clusters. They are toxic if ingested by mammals and especially humans, but nutritious and valuable for birds such as sparrows and pigeons. The birds spread the seed with their droppings.

Ivy quickly beautifies all difficult areas of the garden. It quickly cover up anything that needs to be hidden, including conifers that have withered in a hedge. In this use, it will be supported by evergreen shrubs such as laurustinus, Portuguese laurel, or hedge clematis. It effectively and perfectly covers the ground, eventually discouraging weeds while keeping the soil slightly cool at the base of trees and shrubs. Plant it with spring-flowering bulbs such as botanical daffodils or muscari to brighten up its foliage. These blooming bulbs will emerge from the green carpet in spring.

Contrary to popular belief, ivy very rarely suffocates old trees. In fact, ivy protects their bark and provides shelter for useful small fauna, also serving as nesting sites and shelters for birds. Hedera helix is a good wall cover, but do not overuse it as it can quickly become invasive. Although its reputation as a demolisher is well established, it has protected dilapidated old walls more than it has destroyed them. Removing the plant when firmly anchored in the crevices causes the masonry to collapse, while the plant maintains its integrity. However, its use on facades should be avoided.