English Ivy (Hedera helix) is a non-native aggressive invasive vine that was introduced to Seattle as a fast growing evergreen ground cover for landscaping. It is a woody climbing vine that is commonly seen in planters, parking strips, on building walls and fences. As ivy climbs up surfaces, including trees, the plant matures and produces a white flo
wer and dark purple berries. Birds eat the berries and disperse seeds as they fly from place to place, including natural areas where ivy has never been planted. It grows rapidly, covering the forest understory and dominating other native shrubs and ground covers. English ivy also climbs up trees and thrives in the canopy until it covers the entire tree, blocking the tree's necessary sunlight, and creating top heavy conditions. The weakened trees eventually die or fall over. Ivy also provides homes for rats and scare habitat for more desirable wildlife.
What can you do?
- Don't plant, buy, or sell English ivy or any other non-native invasive plants.
- Remove English ivy from your property, and make sure that it doesn't go to seed. More information on how to remove invasive plants.
- Volunteer at a CLC work party to remove ivy from city parks and CLC lands.
Alternatives to Ivy
Native Strawberry and Salal are examples of native plants that can can be used instead of ivy.
Salal (Gaultheria shallon) is an evergreen shrub with small bell-shaped flowers and dark purple berries. It is highly tolerant and adaptable for many different site conditions. It is a great plant for attracting wildlife, and the leaves are commonly used in flower arranging.
Coastal Strawberry (Fragaria chiloensis) is herbaceous with leathery leaves and most common to the coastal habitats of the Puget lowlands. It is a great ground cover because it is low-lying and spreads fairly quickly by short runners. Woodland strawberry (F. vesca) and Wild strawberry (F. virginiana) are also native to a variaty of habitats in the Pacific Northwest.
Contact the Washington Native Plant Society for more information.