Hedera helix | |
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Creeping ivy in Dover, UK | |
Scientific classification ![]() | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Clade: | Asterids |
Order: | Apiales |
Family: | Araliaceae |
Genus: | Hedera |
Species: | H. helix
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Binomial name | |
Hedera helix |
Hedera helix, the common ivy, European ivy, or just ivy, is a species of flowering plant in the family Araliaceae. It is native to most of Europe and parts of western Asia. Ivy is a clinging evergreen vine that grows on tree trunks, walls, and fences in gardens, waste spaces, and wild habitats. Ivy is popular as an ornamental plant, but escaped plants have become naturalised outside its native range. Ivy has considerable cultural significance and symbolism.
Synonyms include Hedera acuta, Hedera arborea ('tree ivy'),[2] Hedera baccifera, and Hedera grandifolia.[3] Other common names are bindwood and lovestone.