HEDERA HELIX

Hedera helix, or English ivy, is a vigorous, fast-growing woody evergreen perennial often used as a climbing vine or ground cover. It can reach heights of 50-100 feet when climbing, while as a ground cover, it typically grows 6-9 inches tall and can spread widely. English ivy has two growth forms: the juvenile stage features thick, dark green, 3-5 lobed leaves with adventitious roots, while the adult stage produces lobeless, elliptic-ovate leaves and greenish-white flowers in early fall, followed by blue-black berries. Native to Europe and brought to the U.S. by settlers, it is widely sold as an ornamental plant.