Native Plant Alternatives to Hedera helix (English Ivy)
Hedera helix, also known as English ivy, is considered an invasive species in many parts of the world, including parts of the United States, Australia, and New Zealand. Native to Europe, western Asia, and northern Africa, it has been widely introduced as an ornamental plant due to its attractive, evergreen foliage and its adaptability to a range of growing conditions.
English ivy is a vigorous grower and can quickly form dense coverings over the ground and up trees, buildings, and other structures. It outcompetes native vegetation by shading it out, and when it grows up trees, it can cause them to become unstable and more likely to fall in a storm. It also creates a refuge for pests like rats and can contribute to increased fire risk due to its evergreen nature and the high volume of dead material it generates.
English Ivy is listed in the Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States.
According to the U.S Forest Service, Invasive species have contributed to the decline of 42% of U.S. endangered and threatened species and 18% of U.S. endangered or threatened species. Invasive species compete directly with native species for moisture, sunlight, nutrients, and space. They displace and alter native plant communities, degrade wildlife habitat and water quality, and potentially lead to increased soil erosion.
The federal government has estimated that nearly 25 percent of the 20,000 plant species native to North America are at risk of extinction, many of these through habitat loss. You can help reverse this trend by planting great native plants in your garden.
A plant is considered native if it occurs naturally in a particular region or ecosystem without human introduction. There are many benefits to growing native plants. First, these plants are better adapted to soils, moisture, and weather than exotic plants that evolved in other parts of the world. They need fewer fertilizers and pesticides or use less water. Second, they are unlikely to escape and become invasive, destroying natural habitats. Third, they support wildlife, providing shelter and food for native birds and insects, while exotic plants do not.
Guide Information
| Hardiness |
5 - 11 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones |
6 - 12 |
| Plant Type | Climbers, Perennials |
| Genus | Hedera |
| Exposure | Partial Sun, Shade |
| Season of Interest |
Spring (Early, Mid, Late) Summer (Early, Mid, Late) Fall Winter |
| Native Plants | United States |
U.S. Native Plant Alternatives to Hedera helix (English Ivy)
Radu Chibzii, Flickr
Guide Information
| Hardiness |
5 - 11 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones |
6 - 12 |
| Plant Type | Climbers, Perennials |
| Genus | Hedera |
| Exposure | Partial Sun, Shade |
| Season of Interest |
Spring (Early, Mid, Late) Summer (Early, Mid, Late) Fall Winter |
| Native Plants | United States |
