Efeu

Landscape Uses:Cascades, Container, Erosion control, Ground cover, Massing. Ivy is a very easily grown plant that dislikes waterlogged, very dry or very acid soils but otherwise succeeds in all soil types. It grows well in heavy clay soils. Prefers some lime in the soil. Tolerates very dense shade, though it may not flower in such a position[K]. The plant is very hardy and tolerant of atmospheric pollution. Established plants are drought tolerant. A very ornamental and hardy plant, it tolerates temperatures down to about -25°c. There are many named varieties, the variegated forms are less hardy than the species and also require more light. Ivy is a rampant climbing plant, clinging by means of aerial roots and often trailing on the ground in woods and hedges. It is of benefit rather than harm when growing on a wall because it keeps the wall dry and acts as an insulation. It does not damage the structure of a wall. Similarly, it does not harm large trees when climbing into them, though it can shade out smaller and ailing trees. It is not a parasitic plant, but instead obtains all its nutrient from the sun and the soil. A very good plant for wild-life, it provides dense shelter for birds, spiders etc, an abundant late supply of nectar for insects and a supply of seeds for winter food. It is a food plant for the larvae of many species of butterfly. A very variable plant, there are many named varieties. This species is notably resistant to honey fungus. Special Features: Attractive foliage, Not North American native, Naturalizing, All or parts of this plant are poisonous, Inconspicuous flowers or blooms. In garden design, as well as the above-ground architecture of a plant, root structure considerations help in choosing plants that work together for their optimal soil requirements including nutrients and water. The root pattern is branching: a heart root, dividing from the crown into several primary roots going down and out [2-1].

Although they are almost certainly not edible, there is a report that the seeds contain 16.2% protein and 35.1% fat.

Dye Hair Hedge Hedge Parasiticide Pollution Soap Wood A yellow and a brown dye are obtained from the twigs. A decoction of the leaves is used to restore black fabrics and also as a hair rinse to darken the hair. If the leaves are boiled with soda they are a soap substitute for washing clothes etc. An excellent ground cover for shady places, succeeding even in the dense shade of trees. A very effective weed suppresser. The cultivars 'Hibernica', 'Lutzii' and 'Neilsonii' have been especially mentioned. Plants can be grown along fences to form a hedge. The variety 'Digitata' is very useful for this. Plants have been grown indoors in pots in order to help remove toxins from the atmosphere. It is especially good at removing chemical vapours, especially formaldehyde. The plants will probably benefit from being placed outdoors during the summer. The wood is very hard and can be used as a substitute for Buxus sempervirens (Box), used in engraving etc. Another report says that the wood is very soft and porous and is seldom used except as a strop for sharpening knives.

Heimisch: Albania, Austria, Baleares, Baltic States, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Central European Russia, Chía, vereda Yerbabuena, Sede del Instituto Caro y Cuervo, Corse, Czechia-Slovakia, Denmark, East Aegean Is., France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Kriti, Manizales | Pasto, NW. Balkan Pen., Netherlands, North Caucasus, Northwest European Russia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Sardegna, Sicilia, South European Russia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye, Türkiye-in-Europe, Ukraine Eingeführt: Alabama, Alaska, Argentina Northeast, Argentina Northwest, Arizona, Arkansas, British Columbia, California, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, East Africa, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Juan Fernández Is., Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mexico Central, Mexico Gulf, Mexico Southeast, Mexico Southwest, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Morocco, New Jersey, New Mexico, New South Wales, New York, New Zealand North, New Zealand South, North Carolina, Ohio, Ontario, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Queensland, Reunion, South Australia, South Carolina, Tasmania, Tennessee, Utah, Victoria, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Western Australia, Wisconsin