English Ivy Hedera helix 'Eva' (v)

Names

• Family

  Araliaceae.

• Synonyms

  English Ivy, Common Ivy, European Ivy.

• Common names

  Hedera helix 'Eva'.

Toxicity

• To humans

  English Ivy, which is the most common name for Hedera helix 'Eva', contains several compounds that can be toxic to humans if ingested. These compounds include saponins, hederin, and polyacetylene compounds. If any part of the plant is eaten, it can lead to gastrointestinal distress, including symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, ingestion might also result in increased salivation, difficulty in breathing, and even fever. Contact with the skin might lead to dermatitis in some individuals. It is important to seek medical attention if any part of the plant is ingested or if a skin reaction develops.

• To pets

  English Ivy, or simply Ivy, is toxic to pets including cats and dogs. The toxic components are saponins, which can cause vomiting, abdominal pain, hypersalivation, and diarrhea if ingested. In severe cases, particularly with large amounts ingested, the ingestion of Ivy can also lead to more serious symptoms such as trembling, convulsions, and potentially even coma. Pets who have ingested Ivy should receive prompt veterinary care. It is important to keep this plant out of reach of pets.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Evergreen

• Color of leaves

  Variegated

• Height

  6 8 (20cm)

• Spread

  3 0 (91cm)

• Plant type

  Climber

• Hardiness zones

  5

• Native area

  Europe

General Benefits

• Easy to grow: English Ivy 'Eva' is hardy and adaptable, which makes it suitable for a variety of growing conditions.
• Ornamental appeal: Its attractive foliage adds aesthetic value to indoor and outdoor spaces.
• Growth habit: It can serve as a ground cover, reducing soil erosion and suppressing weeds.
• Versatile: It can grow in containers, hang in baskets, or be trained on trellises.
• Low maintenance: It requires minimal care once established and is not demanding about soil quality or moisture levels.
• Seasonal interest: English Ivy 'Eva' provides year-round greenery adding to the landscape's visual interest even in winter.
• Privacy: When used as a screen, English Ivy 'Eva' can provide a sense of seclusion and privacy.
• Wildlife habitat: It offers shelter and food for birds and insects, contributing to local biodiversity.
• Tolerance: It exhibits tolerance to a wide range of temperatures, making it suitable for many different climates.

Medical Properties

• Expectorant: English ivy is traditionally used to help relieve coughs and bronchitis.
• Anti-inflammatory: The plant contains saponins, which are thought to have anti-inflammatory properties.
• Antimicrobial: Some studies suggest that English ivy may possess antimicrobial effects against certain bacteria and fungi.
• Antispasmodic: It is thought to possess antispasmodic properties, potentially providing relief from muscle spasms.
• Mucolytic: English ivy may help in thinning mucus, aiding in the clearance of respiratory secretions.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Hedera helix 'Eva', commonly known as English ivy, can be used as a natural dye, producing a range of colors from green to brown depending on the mordant used.
• English ivy leaves can be boiled to create a waterproofing solution for natural fabrics or materials as the saponins it contains can add a protective layer.
• The vines of English ivy may be woven into baskets or other handicrafts, an unconventional form of upcycling plant material.
• When dried and crushed, the leaves of English ivy can serve as a natural insect repellent to ward off pests like moths from closets or drawers.
• The plant can be trained to grow in specific shapes or letters for topiary garden art, adding a personal touch to garden design.
• English ivy stems can be used as natural binding materials in garden construction or support for other plants due to their flexibility and strength.
• Used artistically, the leaves of English ivy can be incorporated into eco-printing techniques on paper or fabric to create unique patterns and designs.
• The climbing nature of English ivy can create living curtains when grown on trellises next to windows, offering privacy and shade.
• When grown as a ground cover, English ivy can help prevent soil erosion on slopes or in areas where grass has difficulty growing.
• Incorporating English ivy into a terrarium can create a lush miniature landscape due to its ability to thrive in the high humidity environment.

Feng Shui

English Ivy is used in Feng Shui to introduce wood energy, symbolizing growth and renewal. It can be placed in the East sector of a space for health and family, or Southeast for wealth and abundance. Its climbing nature allows for upward growth, which can be seen as promoting positive chi.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

English Ivy is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Friendship: The plant, commonly known as English ivy, often symbolizes friendship due to its nature to cling and grow closely alongside structures and other plants, representing the intertwining and supportive aspect of friendships.
• Eternal life: English ivy is an evergreen plant, remaining green throughout the year, making it a symbol of eternal life and immortality.
• Fidelity: This plant is known for its strong and lasting attachment to surfaces, which represents steadfastness and loyalty in relationships, leading to its association with fidelity.
• Protection: In folklore, it is believed that English ivy has protective qualities, such as warding off evil spirits, which is why it is often planted around homes.
• Survival and Determination: English ivy has the ability to survive in challenging conditions and to overcome obstacles as it climbs, symbolizing the human qualities of survival and determination.