The importance of ivy

Ivy is often a misunderstood plant, accused of being a tree strangler and invader that takes over whole habitats at will if left untamed. But it is much more valuable than you might think.

Friend or Foe?

Ivy is often a misunderstood plant, accused of being a tree strangler and invader that takes over whole habitats at will if left untamed.

The ivy we have in the UK is often associated with poison ivy – a North American plant which is actually unrelated to our own ivy, which isn’t actually toxic to humans. In some cases, it can cause a rash if someone has an allergic reaction to contact with the leaves and it isn’t a food plant that can be eaten by humans and pets, but it is harmless to the variety of birds and mammals that live around it. In fact, in many case, some wildlife depends on ivy to survive.

Leaves

The leaves of the ivy plant are immediately recognizable due their association with Christmas, being used in wreathes for display on front doors for centuries. They are shiny in appearance, almost as if they are covered in a wax coating. Another good reason for the plant being so popular with wildlife. Mature ivy uses tall trees to support itself and grows surprisingly quickly. The vines form a tight vertical structure, with the leaves providing a waterproof outer shelter, perfect for birds to tuck themselves into during storms. Being an evergreen, it provides shelter for 12 months per year. It is estimated that 50 different types of wildlife are associated with ivy.

Ivy fruit

Ivy fruit looks like small bunches of small black berries. They are a food source for birds including red wings and other thrushes, and small mammals. The fruit ripens very late in the year, from November onwards, which is ideal for the migrating birds that travel to the UK to spend their winter.

Flowers

Like the ivy fruit, its flowers also peak late in the year – from September to November, making it one of the last available nectar sources for butterflies and hoverflies that are still flying during the autumn. The flowers are green/yellow and grow in clusters called umbels.

Stuart Edmunds