English Ivy - Hedera helix
English Ivy (Hedera helix) is one of those plants that seems charming on old brick walls but quickly turns into trouble once it escapes into natural areas. Originally brought from Europe as an ornamental – and still sold in nurseries – it’s now firmly established across southern Ontario and BC. Its ability to root from almost any stem touching soil, tolerate deep shade, and climb aggressively makes it a strong competitor against native plants.
On the ground, ivy forms dense mats that smother whatever’s trying to grow beneath it. Birds eat the black, berry-like fruit and spread the seeds far and wide. When it climbs trees, the problems intensify. Vines can grow think and heavy, adding significant weight to branches and reducing light available to the tree’s own leaves. That combination weakens trees, making them more vulnerable to branch failure and blowdown. Ivy can even carry pathogens like bacterial leaf scorch, which affects oaks, elms and other native species.
Managing ivy is doable, but patience is key. Catching it early makes a big difference. Hand-pulling works well, especially in the late summer or fall, but gloves and long sleeves are a must as it can cause rashes. For trees, the first step is cutting vines around the trunk at chest height without damaging the bark; the upper growth will die off, but the rooted sections on the ground still need to be removed. Large ground mats can be removes using the “burrito roll” method – cut around the edges, loosen the mass, and roll it up. All ivy should be bagged and sent to the landfill so it can’t re-establish. Local transfer stations should have dedicated bins for invasive plant disposal.
In tougher infestations, herbicides can help when used carefully and repeatedly, often paired with cutting to expose fresh surfaces. Ivy keeps growing whenever temperatures site above about 12°C, so regular monitoring matters.
The best long-term strategy is simply avoiding ivy altogether. Choosing non-invasive alternatives – Boston Ivy, Deer Fern, Piggyback Plant, Salal or Western Honeysuckle – helps protect local ecosystems while still keeping gardens lush. Early action and smart planting choices go a long way in keeping ivy from taking over our forests and community spaces.
