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.