
Facts
Hedera helix is an
invasive species. Not only
is it not native to the United States and North America, but it
also takes over wherever it is placed. Although many see
this ability to grow as an advantage,
others do whatever they
can to keep English Ivy out of most areas due to its destructive
way of life.
English Ivy can climb almost any surface, not just trees.
Often times it will climb up the side of buildings if it is
planted in an area with few trees to exploit. Effects on
the building differ from the trees in that most buildings go
unharmed. The only way this plant can harm a building is
if it somehow gets into the infrastructure. Ivy can get in
through a hole or crack in the build
ing, and once in, it weakens
the structure from the inside out.
Even though Hedera helix is generally considered a vine, this plant is actually a climbing shrub. It grows better in the shade during the juvenile stage because only the reproductive adult phase can tolerate high light conditions. Berries from this plant are sometimes used for tanning leather and dyeing textiles. Some people have even used these dyes in their hair!

References