Family:
Araliaceae
Toxic Parts:
all
Toxins:
glycosides, saponins
Flower Color:
  • flower color
  • flower color
Found:
ornamental, gardens

Geographical Distribution

English ivy distribution - United States

Related Species

English Ivy

Hedera helix

European Ivy, Just Ivy, Common Ivy
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English ivy (Hedera helix) is a fast-growing, woody evergreen perennial which grows as a climbing vine or trailing ground cover. It is native to Europe and Russia, but has been cultivated as an ornamental worldwide.

All parts of English ivy contain hederasaponins, which undergo partial hydrolysis to form toxic substances which can poison horses if ingested in large amounts. It also contains allergenic and irritant compounds (falcarinol and didehydrofalcarinol) which can cause intense burning and dermatitis.