Hedera helix aka English Ivy

Hedera helix, commonly known as English ivy, European ivy, or just ivy, is a rampant and evergreen vine belonging to the ivy genus in the family Araliaceae. Native to most of Europe and western Asia, this versatile species is a familiar sight in gardens, waste spaces, and wild areas. It can be found clinging to walls, fences, tree trunks, and other surfaces across its native and introduced habitats. Ivy is a popular ornamental plant due to its hardy nature and ability to grow without human assistance. However, it has also become naturalized outside its native range and now grows unchecked in various wild and cultivated areas. Some synonyms for Hedera helix include Hedera acuta, Hedera arborea (also known as 'tree ivy'), Hedera baccifera, and Hedera grandifolia. Other common names for this plant are bindwood and lovestone. English ivy possesses small, grey-green foliage with grey veining and a narrow, irregular, crimped white margin. It is an evergreen, self-clinging climber that can thrive with little to no assistance. While commonly found in empty spaces, it is considered invasive in several countries such as England, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. It is important to note that European ivy is poisonous if consumed, and it is recommended to wear gloves when handling it. Given a suitable surface to climb, Hedera helix can reach impressive heights of 66 to 98 feet (20 to 30 meters). If no cliffs, walls, or trees are available, it will also grow as ground cover. To identify this ivy, one can look for its small berries in shades ranging from yellow and orange to deep purple, as well as its greenish-yellow flowers.