Edge/ English Ivy

COMMON NAME: English Ivy

OTHER COMMON NAME(S):

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Hedera helix

FAMILY: Araliaceae

COMMUNITY: Edge

STATUS: Naturalized from Eurasia

LIFESPAN: Woody vine

HEIGHT: Spreading to 25 feet long

FLOWERING TIME: June

FRUITING TIME: July to August

DISTRIBUTION: Found in numerous New Jersey counties ~ Grows on ground and climbs trees and buildings

IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTICS: Leaves evergreen, alternate, dark green, shiny, palmately 3-5 lobed ~ Flowers small, green ~ Fruit black berry-like drupe

GENERAL INFORMATION: The Araliaceae family commonly called the Ginseng family consists of 57 genera and 800 species of shrubs, lianas, trees and a few herbs.  The Araliaceae family is found chiefly in tropical and subtropical regions.  Plants in this genus (Hedera) are a source of pith from which “rice paper” is obtained. The name Ginseng is derived from the Chinese fen-shen (manlike), referring to the branching root. English Ivy flowers late and is pollinated by wasps, moths and similar creatures.  A very nutritious fruit ripens over the winter and is an important food source for nesting birds in the Spring.  Young twigs are a source of dye.  In earlier times plants in this genus (Hedera) were used to corns and were considered to counteract the effects of alcohol.  These plants were often used on signs for a tavern.

Please note: While harvesting wild berries/fruit is permitted at Island Beach State Park, visitors must adhere to park regulations at all times and must not damage vegetation or go off designated trails.  This information is presented for educational purposes.