English Ivy

Hedera helix

Origin: Europe and Scandinavia east to Russia

Houseplant / Groundcover
Invasive (NC, checked)

Pet & Human Safety

Toxic to people and pets

Hazardous parts

leaves, berries, sap: all parts, to varying degrees

Preparation

Ornamental plant; NC State Extension rates it a medium-severity poison if ingested.

Hazard type

saponin/polyacetylene poisoning (ingestion), contact dermatitis (sap contact)

Hazard route

ingestion (leaves or berries) or skin contact with sap

How complete this information is

The safety information on this page is complete as far as our sources go. That is not a statement that the plant is safe.

Toxic to pets

Toxic principle: triterpenoid saponins (hederagenin). Clinical signs: vomiting, abdominal pain, hypersalivation, diarrhea: ASPCA notes the foliage poses greater danger than the berries. For humans, NC State Extension separately rates this a medium-severity poison: sap contact causes severe skin irritation (redness, itching, blisters); berry ingestion causes throat burning; leaf ingestion can cause delirium, stupor, convulsions, hallucinations, fever, rash, vomiting, and abdominal pain (triterpenoid saponins and polyacetylene compounds).

Patent / trademark

not applicable

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

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Care

Hardiness zones: Specific USDA hardiness zone range not given in the source used; grows as both an outdoor groundcover/climber and an indoor houseplant.
Water needs: Not addressed as a direct watering figure in the source used; tolerant of varying drainage conditions per its soil adaptability.
Mature size: 20-80 ft tall (as a climber), 3-50 ft wide (as groundcover); rapid growth.
Family: Araliaceae (ginseng family)

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

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