Ivy has been intertwined with human traditions for centuries, dating back to pre-Christian celebrations.
During winter solstice festivals, it adorned wreaths and decorations, symbolizing resilience and life’s
endurance through the harsh winter months. For Native American communities, ivy held a different
kind of value—its medicinal properties made it a key ingredient in various remedies, offering healing
and relief.
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| photo credit Kallerna |
English Ivy (Hedera helix) is an evergreen vine originally introduced as an ornamental plant for its lush, dark green foliage. While visually appealing, it’s now classified as an invasive species in the U.S., Australia, and New Zealand. Growing up to 90 feet with proper support, it spreads rapidly, smothering native plants, degrading wildlife habitats, and contributing to soil erosion. In the U.S., English Ivy thrives in mixed forests and urban areas, particularly in Connecticut, Massachusetts, the mid-Atlantic, Southeast, and the Pacific Northwest. Young leaves are lobed, while mature leaves on woody stems become broad and unlobed. It blooms yellow-green flowers, typically from late spring to autumn, and bears dark purple fruits in the fall. The fruits contain stone-like seeds and are mildly toxic to humans and some animals. The plant spreads primarily through stem rooting but can also reproduce via seeds.
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| photo credit Kenraiz |
Historically, ivy has been a go-to remedy for a variety of ailments. Native communities used ivy
infusions to soothe skin irritations like hives and reduce swelling. It was also brewed to ease
colds and bronchial discomfort. Additionally, ivy washes were applied to slow-healing wounds
and sores, showcasing its versatility as a natural healer.
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| Robert Faust |
Did You Know...
It has been documented that Ivy was first documented in Virginia around 1800.
English ivy is pollinated by a wide variety of insects including bees, flies, and butterflies, providing nectar during seasons when few other plants bloom.
The fruit of English Ivy contains glycosides that is mildly toxic to humans and some animales.
It is illegal to sell or plant English Ivy in Oregon.The term “Ivy League” originated in 1933, referencing the “ivy-covered halls” of elite universities. The league officially formed in 1956, beginning with a football game between Penn and Princeton.
Though ivy is beloved for its beauty and historical symbolism, its invasive nature poses significant ecological challenges, making it both a source of admiration and caution.
Hedra is Greek and refers to grasping roots and helix refers to a winding or spiral shape.
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