Hedera helix, commonly known as Common Ivy or English Ivy, is a vigorous, evergreen climbing or groundcover vine native to Europe and western Asia. It spreads rapidly by aerial rootlets and can grow up to 90 feet in length when supported by a structure or tree. Its dark green, lobed leaves provide year-round coverage for walls, fences, and ground areas, and it’s often used for erosion control or as a low-maintenance groundcover in shaded areas. However, in North America, English Ivy is widely considered invasive due to its aggressive growth, tendency to smother native plants, and its ability to climb and damage trees and structures. It provides little benefit to native wildlife and can disrupt natural ecosystems.

Why choose Common Ivy (with caution):

• Evergreen coverage: Offers year-round foliage and groundcover in shade

• Climbs structures: Can quickly cover walls, fences, and arbors with dense greenery

• Drought-tolerant: Once established, needs little supplemental watering

Cultivating tips:

• Sun exposure: Thrives in part to full shade; tolerates sun in cooler climates

• Soil needs: Prefers well-drained soils; adaptable to various conditions

• Maintenance: Requires regular monitoring and trimming to control spread

Designs for your garden:

• Wall cover: Popular for cloaking buildings, fences, or trellises with evergreen texture

• Groundcover: Used in shaded areas where turf is difficult to grow

• Erosion control: Helps stabilize slopes, but should be used carefully due to invasiveness

Ecological considerations:

• Non-native & invasive: Spreads aggressively and displaces native species

• Low wildlife value: Offers minimal support for pollinators or native insects

• Better with natives: Consider native groundcovers or vines for biodiversity and habitat health

Looking for native alternatives?

Tiarella cordifolia – Foamflower: A shade-loving native groundcover with attractive foliage and white spring blooms.

Carex appalachia – Appalachian Sedge: A delicate, clumping sedge ideal for dry woodland areas and low-maintenance groundcover.

Carex stricta – Tussock Sedge: A moisture-loving native sedge that forms elegant mounds in part shade to full sun, ideal for wet spots and rain gardens.