English Ivy

(Hedera helix)

Araliaceae (Ginseng Family)

Hedera helix: English Ivy

Location on campus:  in Grand St. underpass, along President's Wall on east side of Plaster Student Union.

·         woody vine with alternate, evergreen palmately-lobed dark-green leaves, often with lighter green veins; leaves about 3-4" wide and long with 3-5 lobes

·         stems climb by production of aerial roots that cling to hard surfaces

·         grows in full sun to deep shade; prefers moist, well-drained soils

·         as a groundcover, grows 6-12" high, vine can grow 90' tall

·         fast rate of growth

·         when plant matures, leaf shape changes to ovate-lanceolate and plant becomes shrubby and produces no more aerial roots; flowers not significant