Hornet feeding from ivy by Elizabeth Dack 1/5
Hornet and fly on ivy by Elizabeth Dack 2/5
Honey bee collecting pollen from ivy by Helga Joergens-Lendrum 3/5
Red admiral feeding on ivy by David Cooke 4/5
Ivy berries by Elizabeth Dack 5/5

Ivy Hedera helix

Ivy is a rampant climbing plant which is native to Europe and western Asia. Its dense growth around a leafless oak at the edge of a farmer’s field is one of the most typical sights of the Norfolk countryside in winter. Being dense and evergreen, bearing nectar-rich flowers in autumn and palatable fruits in late winter, it is a species of great importance to wildlife. For centuries it has been brought into homes in midwinter, originally to remind us of the rebirth of the landscape in spring, and more recently to celebrate Christmas.

Conservation status

Ivy is among the commonest, most widespread and most familiar plants in the Norfolk landscape. It is not of conservation concern, though it is of great importance to many other species of wildlife.

Related questions & advice

How valuable is ivy for wildlife ?
Does ivy damage trees?

Details

Did you know? In temperate parts of New Zealand, Australia and North America ivy has been introduced and has become a highly invasive plant, damaging native habitats.
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