English ivy

Common weeds

Scientific name
Hedera helix
Description
Woody climber or creeper. It suckers along the ground and also produces aerial roots. All parts of the plant are poisonous.
Weed category
Enironmental weed
How to indentify
Egg shaped leaves shiny, darker green on top and 3-10cm x 3-10cm, wavy margins. Leaves can cause dermatitis. Stalks to 11cm long. non-flowering shoots, lobes triangular. Flowers on stems high in trees, clusters of tiny green flowers. Black round berries.
How it spreads
  • Birds (seeds and stem)
  • Animals (seeds and stem)
  • Climbs up trees and smothers host plant
Environmental impact

Regenerate readily, invading bushland areas. 

Suggested plant replacement
Removal methods
Plant specific removal methods

Scrape stems growing up trees and apply herbicide. Remove of seed heads. Large infesations on the ground can be sprayed but will need a penetrant added.

Forest with tall tree trunks covered with creeping bright green plant  Creeping vine plant with bright green leaves growng up a tree trunk

Thank you to Shire of Yarra Ranges for assistance in compiling this directory
Information supplied on this website is intended as a guide only. While all due care has been taken, Cardinia Shire Council accepts no responsibility for the use of the information or for any errors or omissions.