I creep and crawl, just like a vine,
taking ten years to mature, just like fine wine.
My shape-shifting roots secrete natural glue,
making my spread hard to undo!
I Spy in the Sea to Sky…
This plant is native to Europe and was introduced to North America as a garden ornamental. Despite it being an invasive species, it is still a popular groundcover choice and is also found in hanging baskets.
It’s English ivy (Hedera helix)! Its leaves remain green throughout the year and blooms in September and October. English ivy thrives in various conditions, but it prefers sunny environments with moist soil. It grows in disturbed areas, along forest edges, in coastal regions, and on steep slopes and cliffs. Its vines are known to wrap around trees, houses, walls, and fences. English ivy is found in certain portions of the Sea to Sky region (i.e., in Squamish and south) but has not yet infested all potential habitats. The goal is to contain the spread of English ivy to ISMA 1.
English ivy can be easily identified by several distinctive features:
- This species has two growth stages, juvenile growth and mature growth.
- It has purple-green stems that turn brown with age. In the juvenile stage, ivy is found as a vine or groundcover. In the mature stage, stems are thick, woody and may form a shrub or climb vertically up trees and other structures.
- English ivy leaves are leathery and thick. Juvenile leaves have 3 – 5 lobes, while mature leaves are unlobed.
- English ivy only produces flowers in its mature growth stage. Flowers are greenish-yellow and arranged in an umbrella-like cluster.
Is English ivy is still sold as an ornamental?
Yes, this species can still be found in garden shops and nurseries around the Sea to Sky. It is a major vector of spread, as this species often escapes the confines of the garden it is planted in. Sometimes, gardeners may even dump ivy fragments or plant parts out as yard waste, not realizing this species can regrow and spread beyond their yard!
If you see English ivy for sale in a shop near you, please consider (politely) bringing up your concerns with the plant retailer.
In recent years, new bylaws have been introduced to ban the sale of certain invasive plants, including English ivy. The District of Squamish’s Invasive Species Management Bylaw prohibits a person from sowing, planting, cultivating, releasing or spreading an invasive species on any property within the District. English ivy is one of the several species included in this bylaw, which means that it should no longer be sold in the District of Squamish. Check out our bylaws page to learn more about invasive species bylaws in the Sea to Sky.
Why is English ivy such a concern in the Sea to Sky?
English ivy poses a significant concern due to its aggressive spread. It primarily reproduces vegetatively, although it can also produce seeds when mature. Lacking natural predators, this plant can proliferate rapidly, as new plants can sprout from any root or stem fragment that makes contact with the soil.
The dense monocultures formed by English ivy threaten native plant communities and contribute to altered soil nutrient levels through its leaf litter. Additionally, as it grows on fences, houses, and other structures, it can cause considerable damage to property and infrastructure. Moreover, both its fruits and leaves are toxic to humans and livestock.
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