- The ivy - a wanted poster
- The age form of the ivy
- Ivy as bee pasture
- Ivy is poisonous
- The leaves of some ivy varieties turn red
One of the most common native plants is ivy, which belongs to the Araliaceae family. It is grown in the garden as a ground cover, for facade greening or as a privacy screen. In nature, ivy often occurs in slightly damp, shady locations. A personal description.
Ivy probably comes from the tropics
The ivy - a wanted poster
- Botanical name: Hedera helix
- Plant Family: Araliaceae
- Origin: probably tropical forests
- Occurrence: worldwide
- Species: ten species
- Height: Unlimited as a climber
- Age: 400 to 500 years possible
- Age forms: young plant, age form from about ten years
- Leaves: mostly green, occasionally variegated
- flowers: light green
- Flowering time: September to October
- fruits: dark violet to black
- Hardiness: absolutely hardy
- Toxicity: yes, in all parts of the plant, especially the berries
- Use: climber, groundcover, houseplant
- Special features: gets red leaves in autumn
The age form of the ivy
The different age forms are as pronounced in few plants as in ivy. As a young plant, it only forms tendrils with adhesive roots that climb along walls, facades, fences or on the ground. The leaves of the young form are multi-lobed.
Ivy reaches the age form from about ten years. It then only grows upwards and no longer forms any climbing tendrils. The leaves become darker and are hardly lobed.
Only when it is old does ivy bloom and form the highly poisonous fruits. The flowering period falls in autumn, the fruits ripen in spring.
Ivy as bee pasture
Since ivy flowers late in the year, it is one of the most valuable plants in the garden. The flowers are an important food source for bees and wasps, which only find a few flowering plants at this time of year.
Ivy is poisonous
Ivy is poisonous in all parts of the plant. The fruit in particular poses a serious risk of poisoning for humans and animals. Eating just three berries can have deadly consequences.
The leaves of some ivy varieties turn red
One of the peculiarities of ivy is that some varieties develop red foliage in autumn. The red color is caused by pigments in the leaves. Even in strong sunlight, the leaves can turn red.
tips
The name ivy stands for eternity. That is why ivy is often used as a symbol of eternal fidelity in wedding bouquets and on grave sites.