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Ivy - Hedera helix, click for a larger image
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Ivy - Hedera helix is a poisonous plant

Ivy - Hedera helix
Family - Araliaceae

This plant is poisonous

Evergreen climber growing to a height of 30m (98ft) where possible after a short period of establishment, adhering to a supporting structure by short adhesive roots growing from the stem.  Where support is not available it will cover large areas of ground with a sprawling growth attempting to find something to climb.  Shiny dark green leathery palmate veined leaves, which on flowering branches are oval and pointed.  On non flowering branches the leaves are 3–5 lobed.

Flowers appearing during September and October are composed of five greenish petals ripening to black berries.  Climbs rocks, trees, fences brick and concrete, trees with growing ivy can become overwhelmed and die.  It is widespread and very common with many forms found in the wild and cultivated for ornamentation.  Food plant for the Willow Beauty moth and many other species.

See also Variegated Ivy.

FBCP do not advise or recommend that Ivy – Hedera helix is eaten or used as an herbal remedy.   Ivy is poisonous to humans and animals as it contains saponins, it is also capable of causing contact dermatitis.

Ivy - Hedera helix, click for a larger imagePhotos ©2016– Ivy - Hedera helix, click for a larger image
Immature leaves
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Ivy - Hedera helix, click for a larger image
Climbing a tree
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