Practical
Plants

Hedera helix

Ivy

an evergreen member of the Hedera genus in the family Araliaceae.

No photo available

Taxonomy and growth

Genus
Hedera
Foliage
evergreen
Growth rate
moderate
Height
15 m
Spread
5 m
Fertility
Bees, Flies, Lepidoptera
Flower type
hermaphrodite
Pollinators
Bees, Flies, Lepidoptera

Uses

Toxicity

Toxicity warning. The historical record reports a hazard for this plant. Do not use it to decide which parts are safe to eat or use medicinally.

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

The plant is said to be poisonous in large doses[24][2][23][25] although the leaves are eaten with impunity by various mammals without any noticeable harmful affects. The leaves and fruits contain the saponic glycoside hederagenin which, if ingested, can cause breathing difficulties and coma[16]. The sap can cause dermatitis with blistering and inflammation. This is apparently due to the presence of polyacetylene compounds[16].

Edible uses

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Although they are almost certainly not edible, there is a report that the seeds contain 16.2% protein and 35.1% fat[28]. There are no edible uses listed for Hedera helix.

Medicinal uses

Historical medicinal uses. These records describe reported uses. They do not establish safety or effectiveness. Ask a qualified health professional before using any plant medicinally.

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Ivy is a bitter aromatic herb with a nauseating taste[13]. It is often used in folk herbal remedies[12], especially in the treatment of rheumatism and as an external application to skin eruptions, swollen tissue, painful joints, burns and suppurating cuts[27][13]. Recent research has shown that the leaves contain the compound 'emetine', which is an amoebicidal alkaloid, and also triterpene saponins, which are effective against liver flukes, molluscs, internal parasites and fungal infections[13]. The leaves are antibacterial, antirheumatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, cathartic, diaphoretic, emetic, emmenagogue, stimulant, sudorific, vasoconstrictor, vasodilator and vermifuge[24][12][13]. The plant is used internally in the treatment of gout, rheumatic pain, whooping cough, bronchitis and as a parasiticide[13]. Some caution is advised if it is being used internally since the plant is mildly toxic[24]. Excessive doses destroy red blood cells and cause irritability, diarrhoea and vomiting[13]. This plant should only be used under the supervision of a qualified practitioner[13]. An infusion of the twigs in oil is recommended for the treatment of sunburn[19]. The leaves are harvested in spring and early summer, they are used fresh and can also be dried[27].

Product or use
Antibacterial
Product or use
Antiseptic
Product or use
Antispasmodic
Product or use
Astringent
Product or use
Cathartic
Product or use
Diaphoretic
Product or use
Emetic
Product or use
Emmenagogue
Product or use
Parasiticide
Product or use
Skin
Product or use
Stimulant
Product or use
Vasoconstrictor
Product or use
Vasodilator
Product or use
Vermifuge

Material uses

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

A yellow and a brown dye are obtained from the twigs[20][22]. A decoction of the leaves is used to restore black fabrics[24][20][21] and also as a hair rinse to darken the hair[24][21]. If the leaves are boiled with soda they are a soap substitute for washing clothes etc[22]. An excellent ground cover for shady places, succeeding even in the dense shade of trees[9][11]. A very effective weed suppresser[8]. The cultivars 'Hibernica', 'Lutzii' and 'Neilsonii' have been especially mentioned[8]. Plants can be grown along fences to form a hedge. The variety 'Digitata' is very useful for this[10]. Plants have been grown indoors in pots in order to help remove toxins from the atmosphere. It is especially good at removing chemical vapours, especially formaldehyde[15]. The plants will probably benefit from being placed outdoors during the summer[15]. The wood is very hard and can be used as a substitute for Buxus sempervirens (Box), used in engraving etc[20][22]. Another report says that the wood is very soft and porous and is seldom used except as a strop for sharpening knives[19].

Product or use
Dye
Product or use
Hair care
Product or use
Pollution
Product or use
Soap
Product or use
Wood

Ecology and functions

Ecosystem niche
Climber, Soil surface

Ground cover

Hedge

Environment

Range
Europe, including Britain, south and east to the Mediterranean and Iran.
Habitat
Woodlands, hedges and shady places, climbing up trees, walls etc and clambering over the ground[24]. Found on all types of soils[24].
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
permanent shade
Water
high
Hardiness
Zone 5+
Soil textures
sandy, loamy, clay, heavy clay
Soil pH
acid, neutral, alkaline, very alkaline
Tolerances
drought
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
tolerant

Propagation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Seed - remove the flesh, which inhibits germination, and sow the seed in spring in a cold frame[4]. Four weeks cold stratification will improve germination[4]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the cold frame for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a shady position in a frame. Good percentage[26]. Cuttings of mature wood, 12cm long, November in a cold frame[26]. Layering. Plants often do this naturally.

Cultivation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Ivy is a very easily grown plant that dislikes waterlogged, very dry or very acid soils but otherwise succeeds in all soil types[1][5][13]. It grows well in heavy clay soils. Prefers some lime in the soil. Tolerates very dense shade[14][18], though it may not flower in such a position[K]. The plant is very hardy and tolerant of atmospheric pollution[19]. Established plants are drought tolerant[8]. A very ornamental and hardy plant[8], it tolerates temperatures down to about -25°c[6]. There are many named varieties[8], the variegated forms are less hardy than the species and also require more light[13]. Ivy is a rampant climbing plant, clinging by means of aerial roots and often trailing on the ground in woods and hedges[7]. It is of benefit rather than harm when growing on a wall because it keeps the wall dry and acts as an insulation[3][14]. It does not damage the structure of a wall. Similarly, it does not harm large trees when climbing into them, though it can shade out smaller and ailing trees[10]. It is not a parasitic plant, but instead obtains all its nutrient from the sun and the soil[7]. A very good plant for wild-life, it provides dense shelter for birds, spiders etc, an abundant late supply of nectar for insects and a supply of seeds for winter food[19][14][7]. It is a food plant for the larvae of many species of butterfly[14][17]. A very variable plant, there are many named varieties. This species is notably resistant to honey fungus[10].

References

  1. F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951-00-00

    ↩

  2. Altmann. H. Poisonous Plants and Animals. Chatto and Windus 1980-00-00 ISBN 0-7011-2526-8

    ↩

  3. Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray 1981-00-00

    ↩

  4. Dirr. M. A. and Heuser. M. W. The Reference Manual of Woody Plant Propagation. Athens Ga. Varsity Press 1987-00-00 ISBN 0942375009

    ↩1↩2

  5. Clapham, Tootin and Warburg. Flora of the British Isles. Cambridge University Press 1962-00-00

    ↩

  6. Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Shrubs. Pan Books 1989-00-00 ISBN 0-330-30258-2

    ↩

  7. Beckett. G. and K. Planting Native Trees and Shrubs. Jarrold 1979-00-00

    ↩1↩2↩3

  8. Chatto. B. The Dry Garden. Dent 1982-00-00 ISBN 0460045512

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5

  9. Royal Horticultural Society. Ground Cover Plants. Cassells. 1989-00-00 ISBN 0-304-31089-1

    ↩

  10. Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5

    ↩1↩2↩3

  11. Thomas. G. S. Plants for Ground Cover J. M. Dent & Sons 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-460-12609-1

    ↩

  12. Duke. J. A. and Ayensu. E. S. Medicinal Plants of China Reference Publications, Inc. 1985-00-00 ISBN 0-917256-20-4

    ↩1↩2

  13. Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. 1995-00-00 ISBN 0-7513-020-31

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5↩6↩7↩8↩9

  14. Baines. C. Making a Wildlife Garden.

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4

  15. Wolverton. B. C. Eco-Friendly House Plants. Weidenfeld & Nicolson. London. 1996-00-00 ISBN 0-297-83484-3

    ↩1↩2

  16. Diggs, Jnr. G.M.; Lipscomb. B. L. & O'Kennon. R. J Illustrated Flora of North Central Texas Botanical Research Institute, Texas. 1999-00-00 http://artemis.austincollege.edu/acad/bio/gdiggs/NCTXpdf.htm

    ↩1↩2

  17. Carter D. Butterflies and Moths in Britain and Europe. Pan 1982-00-00 ISBN 0-330-26642-x

    ↩

  18. Brown. Shade Plants for Garden and Woodland.

    ↩

  19. Grieve. A Modern Herbal. Penguin 1984-00-00 ISBN 0-14-046-440-9

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4

  20. Uphof. J. C. Th. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim 1959-00-00

    ↩1↩2↩3

  21. De. Bray. L. The Wild Garden.

    ↩1↩2

  22. Usher. G. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable 1974-00-00 ISBN 0094579202

    ↩1↩2↩3

  23. Frohne. D. and Pf�nder. J. A Colour Atlas of Poisonous Plants. Wolfe 1984-00-00 ISBN 0723408394

    ↩

  24. Chiej. R. Encyclopaedia of Medicinal Plants. MacDonald 1984-00-00 ISBN 0-356-10541-5

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5↩6↩7

  25. Cooper. M. and Johnson. A. Poisonous Plants in Britain and their Effects on Animals and Man. HMSO 1984-00-00 ISBN 0112425291

    ↩

  26. Sheat. W. G. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. MacMillan and Co 1948-00-00

    ↩1↩2

  27. Launert. E. Edible and Medicinal Plants. Hamlyn 1981-00-00 ISBN 0-600-37216-2

    ↩1↩2

  28. Duke. J. A. and Ayensu. E. S. Medicinal Plants of China Reference Publications, Inc. ISBN 0-917256-20-4 (1985-00-00)

    ↩

Edit this page