English ivy
August 7, 2015
Hedera helix L.
Life cycle
Climbing, evergreen perennial vine.
Leaves
Alternate, evergreen leaves are dark green, leathery and waxy with white veins. Leaves may be unlobed to three- to five-lobed, depending on the maturity of the plant.
English ivy leaf.
Stems
High climbing, woody vines are supported by aerial roots. Stems may be extremely long and reach up to 1 foot in diameter on old plants.
English ivy climbing a tree (left). English ivy creeping stem (right).
Flowers and fruit
White to green flowers are small and inconspicuous. Berrylike fruit are black and contain few seeds. The flowers and fruit are rarely seen.
Reproduction
Seeds and root sprouts.
New growth and aerial roots of English ivy.
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