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Common Ivy

Hedera helix

Least Concern

About

<em>Hedera helix</em>, commonly known as common ivy or English ivy, is a woody evergreen climber and groundcover in the family Araliaceae. It is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, with a very wide global distribution across the Palearctic realm and beyond, encompassing temperate and Mediterranean habitats. The species is native to Europe and western Asia and has been widely introduced elsewhere. It typically grows in woodlands, hedgerows, cliffs, walls, and urban green spaces, tolerating deep shade and a wide range of soil conditions. Common ivy provides important ecological services, offering shelter and late-season nectar and fruit resources for wildlife. Diet information for this species is not available in current records. Biological traits of this species remain poorly documented in the scientific literature.

Habitat & Distribution

Found across multiple habitat types including temperate coniferous forests, montane grasslands and shrublands, and Mediterranean forests and woodlands within the Palearctic biogeographic realm.

Widely distributed across Africa (5 countries), Asia (4 countries), Europe (6 countries), North America (Canada, Mexico, United States), Oceania and the Pacific (Australia, New Zealand), and South America (7 countries).

Conservation Status

LC Least Concern

Full Taxonomy

Names in Other Languages

French lierre
German Efeu
Portuguese hedera-variegata

Similar Species in Hedera

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the scientific name of Common Ivy?
The scientific name of Common Ivy is Hedera helix. It belongs to the genus Hedera.
What is the conservation status of Common Ivy?
Common Ivy (Hedera helix) is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List.
Where does Common Ivy live?
Common Ivy is found in Widely distributed across Africa (5 countries), Asia (4 countries), Europe (6 countries), North America (Canada, Mexico, United States), Oceania and the Pacific (Australia, New Zealand), and South America (7 countries).. Countries include Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Denmark, Ecuador, Georgia.
What family does Common Ivy belong to?
Common Ivy (Hedera helix) belongs to the genus Hedera, which is part of the taxonomic family Araliaceae.
Is Common Ivy endangered?
No, Common Ivy (Hedera helix) is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, meaning it is not currently at significant risk of extinction.
What kingdom does Common Ivy belong to?
Common Ivy (Hedera helix) belongs to the kingdom Plantae (Plants).
What are the closest relatives of Common Ivy?
The closest relatives of Common Ivy in the genus Hedera include Algerian Ivy, Madeira ivy, Persian Ivy.

Native Range — 27 Countries

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