English Ivy Identification & Control
Hi friends, Mr. Lee here! English ivy—both Common ivy (Hedera helix) and Atlantic ivy (Hedera hibernica)—starts as a neat groundcover but can quickly take over your yard. In this guide, we’ll cover:
- What English ivy is and where it comes from
- Why it’s harmful
- How to recognize it
- Plants that look similar
- Easy removal methods
About English Ivy
- Origins: Native to Europe and parts of Asia, introduced here as ornamentals.
- Common ivy = Hedera helix (‘Baltica’, ‘Pittsburgh’, ‘Star’).
- Atlantic ivy = Hedera hibernica (‘Hibernica’).
- Legal status: Class C noxious weeds in King County—widespread, encouraged (but not required) to remove.
Why English Ivy Is a Problem
Chokes out native plants
Vines blanket soil and climb trees, blocking sunlight.Destroys habitat
Understory plants disappear, reducing food and shelter for wildlife.Increases storm damage
Heavy vines and dense foliage make trees more likely to break or fall.Health risks
Sap can irritate skin; berries are mildly toxic if eaten.
How to Identify English Ivy
- Juvenile leaves: Glossy, dark-green, lobed (3–5 deep points), growing along trailing stems.
- Mature leaves: Unlobed, heart-shaped clusters on side shoots.
- Flowers & berries: Late fall brings small yellow-green clusters; winter yields purple-black berries.
- Climbing habit: Tiny rootlets stick to walls, trees, and rocks. Vines can thicken up to 5″.
Look-Alikes to Watch For
- Poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans): Three separate leaflets, not lobed.
- Poison oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum): Three oak-shaped leaflets.
- Other ornamental ivies (Irish, Persian): Check vein patterns and lobes.
Tip: Photograph unclear plants and upload to iNaturalist for fast ID.
Easy Removal Methods
1. Manual Pulling
- Pull or dig up vines, roots and all.
- Best in fall–spring when soil is soft.
2. Tree-Ring Method
- Cut all vines around trunk at chest height.
- Peel lower vines off bark.
- Clear 3–6 ft of ivy around the base.
- Mulch to prevent regrowth.
3. Smothering
- Lay cardboard or newspaper.
- Cover with 8 inches of mulch.
- Leave for 1–2 years before replanting.
4. Targeted Herbicide
- Use glyphosate or triclopyr in fall/winter.
- Remove climbing ivy first—then spray.
- Avoid drift into waterways; get proper permits.
Disposal Tips
- Dry vines: Roll into tight ropes on a tarp or raised frame.
- Let them crisp: Keep off the ground until completely dry.
- Dispose: Compost as yard waste or use as mulch away from sensitive areas.
