Hedera helix Ivy (Araliaceae) Evergreen climber

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Hedera helix
Ivy
Evergreen climber
(1 Page of 5)

The Hedera helix plant species is found in Britain. It is a member of the Araliaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Ivy.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Hedera helix
Common Name:  Ivy
Family:  Araliaceae
Author:  L.

Known Hazards:  The plant is said to be poisonous in large doses[7, 10, 65, 76] although the leaves are eaten with impunity by various mammals without any noticeable harmful affects.

Mature Height:  15   Mature Width:  5

Habitat:  Woodlands, hedges and shady places, climbing up trees, walls etc and clambering over the ground[7]. Found on all types of soils[7].

General Uses: A yellow and a brown dye are obtained from the twigs[46, 61]. A decoction of the leaves is used to restore black fabrics[7, 46, 53] and also as a hair rinse to darken the hair[7, 53]. If the leaves are boiled with soda they are a soap substitute for washing clothes etc[61]. An excellent ground cover for shady places, succeeding even in the dense shade of trees[197, 208]. A very effective weed suppressor[190]. The cultivars 'Hibernica', 'Lutzii' and 'Neilsonii' have been especially mentioned[190]. The wood is very hard and can be used as a substitute for Buxus sempervirens (Box), used in engraving etc[46, 61]. Another report says that the wood is very soft and porous and is seldom used except as a strop for sharpening knives[4]. Plants can be grown along fences to form a hedge. The variety 'Digitata' is very useful for this[200].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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