Does Hedera helix cause damage?

Kingdom: Plantae

Family: Araliaceae

Species: Hedera helix

Hedera helix is an evergreen, common species of ivy in the UK, and is widely spread across Europe. It is often seen climbing buildings or trees, which it does by using specialised hairs called aerial roots which cling to the surfaces. Hedera helix prefers non-reflective, darker, rough surfaces with a fairly neutral pH of around 6.5.

Leaves - Dark, glossy green pale veins.

Flowers – Yellowish green, appear in clusters called umbels.

Fruit – Purple-black to orange-yellow, present in mature plants, which ripen in late winter.

The flowers are very rich in nectar and act as a valuable food course for bees and other insects in late autumn when food is scarce, before many of the insects go into hibernation (such as wasps – the queen wasp constructs a golf ball-sized hibernation cell which needs to be in a sheltered place until late spring). Over 70 species of insects are attracted to the flowers. The ivy covering also provides shelter for insects, birds, bats and other small mammals. The ivy also attracts a very rare species, the golden hoverfly. The best chance of seeing one of these is by going to ancient ivy-covered trees. Some mature plants also produce berries, which are a nutritious food source for birds, although slightly poisonous to humans (cause severe discomfort). Also, at least 16 species of birds eat the berries that grow on the ivy.

Although it is often heard that ivy damages trees, and that the weight of it can make them fall over, this very rarely actually happens and it should not be removed. It is not a parasitic plant and has a separate root system in the soil where it absorbs its own nutrients, and its presence provides huge wildlife benefits. However, as Hedera helix can conceal defects or issues in the trees, sometimes it may need to be removed to allow assessment of the tree’s health. It may also need to be removed to conserve other plants such as lichens which grow on ancient trees.

As for growing on buildings, this is also not damaging – it is often used in Europe for its ability to cool the interior during summer and provide insulation during winter, and the protection it provides for the building during extreme weather. However, in other countries such as the United States it is classed as invasive and can choke other plants, and should be eradicated where it is found in countries such as the US, New Zealand, and Australia.

So in conclusion, Hedera helix is not damaging and its growth on the UEA grounds is a good sign as it increases the level of biodiversity on campus by providing shelter and a food source to many different species of birds and insects.