Hedera helix
Common Name: Ivy
Family: Araliaceae
Known Hazards: The plant is said to be poisonous in large doses although the leaves are eaten with impunity by various mammals without any noticeable harmful effects. The leaves and fruits contain the saponic glycoside hederagenin which, if ingested, can cause breathing difficulties and coma. The sap can cause dermatitis with blistering and inflammation. This is apparently due to the presence of polyacetylene compounds.
Habitats: Woodlands, hedges and shady places, climbing up trees, walls etc and clambering over the ground. Found on all types of soils.
Range: Europe, including Britain, south and east to the Mediterranean and Iran.
Physical Characteristics
Hedera helix is an evergreen Climber growing to 15 m (49ft) by 5 m (16ft) at a medium rate. It is hardy to zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf 12-Jan. It is in flower from Oct to November, and the seeds ripen from May to June. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by bees, flies, lepidoptera. It is noted for attracting wildlife.
The plant prefers light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay and nutritionally poor soils. The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It requires moist or wet soil and can tolerate drought. It can tolerate atmospheric pollution.
Medicinal Uses
Plants For A Future cannot take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Medicinal Actions: Antibacterial; Antiseptic; Antispasmodic; Astringent; Cathartic; Diaphoretic; Emetic; Emmenagogue; Parasiticide; Skin; Stimulant; Vasoconstrictor; Vasodilator; Vermifuge.
Ivy is a bitter aromatic herb with a nauseating taste. It is often used in folk herbal remedies, especially in the treatment of rheumatism and as an external application to skin eruptions, swollen tissue, painful joints, burns and suppurating cuts. Recent research has shown that the leaves contain the compound ‘emetine’, which is an amoebicidal alkaloid, and also triterpene saponins, which are effective against liver flukes, molluscs, internal parasites and fungal infections. The leaves are antibacterial, antirheumatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, cathartic, diaphoretic, emetic, emmenagogue, stimulant, sudorific, vasoconstrictor, vasodilator and vermifuge.
The plant is used internally in the treatment of gout, rheumatic pain, whooping cough, bronchitis and as a parasiticide. Some caution is advised if it is being used internally since the plant is mildly toxic. Excessive doses destroy red blood cells and cause irritability, diarrhoea and vomiting. This plant should only be used under the supervision of a qualified practitioner. An infusion of the twigs in oil is recommended for the treatment of sunburn. The leaves are harvested in spring and early summer, they are used fresh and can also be dried.
Other Uses
A yellow and a brown dye are obtained from the twigs. A decoction of the leaves is used to restore black fabrics and also as a hair rinse to darken the hair. If the leaves are boiled with soda they are a soap substitute for washing clothes etc. An excellent ground cover for shady places, succeeding even in the dense shade of trees. A very effective weed suppresser. The cultivars ‘Hibernica’, ‘Lutzii’ and ‘Neilsonii’ have been especially mentioned. Plants can be grown along fences to form a hedge.
The variety ‘Digitata’ is very useful for this. Plants have been grown indoors in pots in order to help remove toxins from the atmosphere. It is especially good at removing chemical vapours, especially formaldehyde. The plants will probably benefit from being placed outdoors during the summer. The wood is very hard and can be used as a substitute for Buxus sempervirens (Box), used in engraving etc. Another report says that the wood is very soft and porous and is seldom used except as a strop for sharpening knives.
Cultivation
Ivy is a very easily grown plant that dislikes waterlogged, very dry or very acid soils but otherwise succeeds in all soil types. It grows well in heavy clay soils. Prefers some lime in the soil. Tolerates very dense shade, though it may not flower in such a position. The plant is very hardy and tolerant of atmospheric pollution. Established plants are drought tolerant. A very ornamental and hardy plant, it tolerates temperatures down to about -25°c. There are many named varieties, the variegated forms are less hardy than the species and also require more light.
Ivy is a rampant climbing plant, clinging by means of aerial roots and often trailing on the ground in woods and hedges. It is of benefit rather than harm when growing on a wall because it keeps the wall dry and acts as insulation. It does not damage the structure of a wall. Similarly, it does not harm large trees when climbing into them, though it can shade out smaller and ailing trees. It is not a parasitic plant, but instead obtains all its nutrients from the sun and the soil. A very good plant for wild-life, it provides dense shelter for birds, spiders etc, an abundant late supply of nectar for insects and a supply of seeds for winter food. It is a food plant for the larvae of many species of butterfly. A very variable plant, there are many named varieties. This species is notably resistant to honey fungus.
Propagation
Seed - remove the flesh, which inhibits germination, and sow the seed in spring in a cold frame. Four weeks cold stratification will improve germination. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the cold frame for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a shady position in a frame. Good percentage. Cuttings of mature wood, 12cm long, November in a cold frame. Layering. Plants often do this naturally.
References available from source website.
