Pictorial guide to the flora of the British Isles

Home ⟩ Pictorial Guide ⟩ Araliaceae ⟩ Hedera helix / common ivy

Hedera helix L.

common ivy (Araliaceae)

 SpreadBias within British IslesDirection of bias
Very widespreadNegligible tendencyW
Plant Atlas 2020
BSBI Distribution Map

Hedera helix is a very common climbing plant found throughout the British Isles on trees, buildings, and trailing along the ground in more open habitats; it is difficult to distinguish from its westerly relative, Hedera hibernica.

Creuse (23), France; 2005-09-14

 common ivy / Hedera helix: _Hedera helix_ is a very common climbing plant found throughout the British Isles on trees, buildings, and trailing along the ground in more open habitats; it is difficult to distinguish from its westerly relative, _Hedera hibernica_.

The flowers of Hedera helix have 5 vestigial sepals, 5 green petals, 5 stamens and 1 stigma.

Woodmancote (VC33: East Gloucestershire); 2019-08-29

 common ivy / Hedera helix: The flowers of _Hedera helix_ have 5 vestigial sepals, 5 green petals, 5 stamens and 1 stigma.

All images copyright © Christopher J. Dixon unless otherwise indicated.

L-R: Bidens tripartita, Melilotus officinalis, Mimulus guttatus, Thalictrum flavum, Ranunculus peltatus, Anchusa arvensis, Malva alcea, Lolium perenne