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Weed Identification

Virginia Tech College of Agriculture and Life Science Virginia Cooperative Extension

English ivy

Family

Araliaceae

Scientific Name

Hedera helix
Weed photograph 1
Weed photograph 2
Weed photograph 3
Weed photograph 4
Weed photograph 5
Weed photograph 6

Other Common Names:

common ivy
ivy

Habit

Evergreen Perennial Woody Vine

Leaves

Leaves are shiny, waxy, and dark green with lighter veins and a lighter green on the undersides of the leaf. Mature leaves can be lobed or unlobed, while juveniles are typically unlobed. Pattern of leaf growth is alternate with a simple leaf structure. Leaves are around 5-10 cm or 2-4 inches long with small white hairs.

Identifying Characteristics

English Ivy is known for its aggressive growth. It has been recommended for ornamental and ground cover purposes due to its growth habits, cold hardiness, and low maintenance. Due to its aggressive growth, it is considered a menace to most. It can be seen scaling buildings and can even choke out trees. Leaves protrude from the vine, which will spread laterally and climb up trees, walls, and structures with rootlets penetrating the host. The younger stems and petioles are light-dark greek, while older stems are woody. The roots are adventitious and shallow rooted. It can sometimes be mistaken for Irish Ivy, which has wider leaves and darker veins. In terms of management, mechanical and chemical control are the primary options available.

Flower Seed Head

The flowers of English Ivy are white/green, small (~3-5mm), and perfect (male and female), forming in round clusters. Flowers are typically seen in the fall.

Seed Fruit

The fruit on English Ivy are dark blue/black and ripen over the winter into spring. Fruit may be toxic to livestock and humans. Each fruit is 5-10mm and contains 1-3 seeds (~70% viable).

Where Found

English Ivy can be found in the majority of the United States and other areas of the world. It grows in moist environments and can be seen on buildings, trees, and other structures.

Growth Habit

vine

Thorns or Spines

not present

Approximate Flower Diameter

Varies: 
pencil, 
dime

Dominant Flower Color

Varies: 
white, 
yellow, 
green

Flower Symmetry

bilateral symmetry

Leaf Hairs

Varies: 
has hairs, 
no hairs

Leaf Shape

Varies: 
round, 
oval

Leaf Arrangement

alternate

Leaf Margin

Varies: 
entire, 
lobed

Leaf Structure

Varies: 
simple, 
pinnate

Leaf Stalk

Varies: 
shorter than leaf, 
longer than leaf

Stem Hairs

Varies: 
has hairs, 
no hairs

Stem Cross Section

round or oval

Milky Sap

not present

Root Structure

fibrous

Life Cycle

perennial

Ochrea

Varies: 
present, 
not present

Plant Type

Vine