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Ivy

Hedera hibernica , H. helix , and H. colchica
Updated Oct 19, 2023
 
1

Make a Positive Identification

  • English ivy and related species are vigorous evergreen vines.
  • Ivy was widely planted in landscapes and along freeways in the Pacific Northwest. It has spread into natural areas.
  • Ivy takes over unmanaged landscapes, forests, and waste areas.
Species: Ivy
Thick mat of ivy in landscape

Weston Miller, Oregon State University

Ivy is an evergreen vine with waxy leaves. It forms a thick mat which often grows over other plants.

Species: Ivy
Thick mat of ivy in landscape

Forest and Kim Starr, Starr Environmental, Bugwood.org

Ivy’s leaf shape and size vary on a single plant. When growing on the ground in vegetative growth stage, it has angular leaves with three to seven tips as shown in the photo.

Species: Ivy
Many rounded ivy leaves

Weston Miller, Oregon State University

Leaves respond to direct or strong indirect sunlight, becoming more round with a single tip.

Species: Ivy
Dense stand of ivy with berries

Jan Samanek, Phytosanitary Administration, Bugwood.org

Birds eat ivy berries and carry seeds to new locations. The seeds sprout and new ivy plants grow.

Species: Ivy
Ivy stems spreading out over ground

USDA APHIS PPQ - Oxford, North Carolina , USDA APHIS PPQ, Bugwood.org

Single ivy plants grow vigorous root systems. Vines sprawl across the ground. They grow up trees, shrubs, and structures. New plants start from cut or broken pieces of ivy stems.

Species: Ivy
Ivy growing up a tree

Weston Miller, Oregon State University

Ivy vines grow up trees and structures in search of sunlight. Ivy with adequate sun exposure forms berries.

LOOK-ALIKE: BOSTON IVY
Species: Boston Ivy
Boston ivy leaf with three tips

Robert Vidéki, Doronicum Kft., Bugwood.org

Boston ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata) loses its leaves in the winter (deciduous). Its leaves are deeply lobed with three tips. It is also commonly planted along roads and freeways. It is planted to grow on the outside of buildings.

Different risks or methods

Boston ivy usually does not require management as an invasive plant.

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2

Ivy Benefits

  • Ivy is a vigorous ground cover plant that has been widely planted in landscapes and along right of ways.
 

Ivy Risks

  • Ivy covers the ground and grows onto trees and structures.
  • It excludes wildflowers, ferns, and tree seedlings.
  • Ivy provides habitat for problematic rodents.
  • Ivy weakens and can kill large trees.
  • It takes over unmanaged landscapes, forests, and waste areas.
Risk Card
Does it cause harm?
Adults & Children
Low
Property
High
Pets
None
Annoyance
High
Environment
High
Action Recommended
 
3

TAKE ACTION

Ivy spreads quickly and is difficult to control. Don’t ignore individual plants and small patches.

Do I need to take action?
Yes, take action for ivy on your property.

  • At minimum, prune or mow ivy to keep vines from producing berries. Birds eat the berries and spread the seeds to new areas.
  • Remove ivy growing on the ground when you are able.

What if I do nothing?

  • If you ignore patches of ivy on your property, it will produce berries with seeds that birds spread to natural areas.
  • The weight and roots of ivy growing up trees and onto structures can cause damage to trees, fences, and structures.
 
4

PREVENT IVY

Ivy growing in landscape has been mowed to keep it from growing vertically

Weston Miller, Oregon State University

Use a Mower, String Trimmer, or Hedge Trimmer

Regular mowing limits flowering and prevents berries. Keep it from climbing vertical structures such as fences and trees.

Ivy stems with flowers and berries

Forest and Kim Starr, Starr Environmental, Bugwood.org

Cut Vines with Flowers and Berries

When ivy receives abundant sunlight, it will flower and produce berries. Cut stems with flowers or berries. Put them in plastic bags and dispose of the material in the trash. Or take it to a sanitary landfill.

Ivy seedling

Jan Samanek, Phytosanitary Administration, Bugwood.org

Look for Ivy Regrowth and Seedlings
  • After you control a patch of ivy, check it several months later. Manage the regrowth as needed.
  • Watch for ivy growth in the winter when it is easy to see this evergreen vine.
  • Check for seedlings and patches starting from bird droppings. Look for young plants similar to the one in the photo.
Gloved hand with wire brush cleaning dirt off of shovel

Weston Miller, Oregon State University

Clean Your Boots, Tools, and Equipment
  • After working in an area with ivy, clean your boots and tools. If you drive into the ivy stand, clean your vehicle. Avoid spreading ivy seeds or vine fragments to new locations.
  • Use a wire brush to remove dirt from tools before you leave the area, as shown in the photo.
Slope in landscape covered with dense mat of kinnickinick

Weston Miller, Oregon State University

Grow Vigorous Plants to Outcompete Ivy
  • Replanting stabilizes the soil surface, shades out ivy seedlings, and creates habitat.
  • Consider removing ivy growing in a managed landscape. Replant with a vigorous ground cover where a continuous mat of foliage is desired.
  • For example, the slope shown in the photo was previously covered by ivy. The ivy was removed and replaced with kinnickinick (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi), which has formed a dense mat.

 

Landscape area with native plants growing densely together

Weston Miller, Oregon State University

Install New Plants
  • Take care of the plants to get them established and to suppress ivy regrowth.
  • Ivy presence and removal activities may significantly damage a site. There may be few or no desirable plants remaining.
  • Plan for at least 2-3 years of monitoring and maintenance.
  • Your local Extension specialist, soil and water conservation district, or a professional revegetation specialist can suggest strategies for your area.
 
5
SOLUTIONS FOR IVY

Physical Removal of Plants & Non-Chemical Methods

  • When removing large patches, start on the edge of the ivy patch and work your way toward the center. Cut the vines that grow up trees and structures. Dig up ivy vines rooted on the ground.
  • Mow it or use a string trimmer to control vines growing along the ground. Keep ivy from climbing trees and fences.
  • For landscape areas where ivy was planted, prevent it from producing berries by mowing and cutting stems growing up trees and structures.

Herbicides (Weed Killers)

Herbicides effectively control ivy when used according to the label directions.

Monitoring & Follow-Up

  • Survey your property every year for ivy. Take action as needed.
  • After you remove ivy, new plants will grow in the same spot unless you take steps to prevent them.

NEED HELP?

Consider a licensed pest control company. Learn How to Hire a Pest Control Company.
Your local Extension Specialist in Oregon  and other states  can suggest other methods.

Jump to

Method Does it work? Is it safe? Recommendation
A
Physically Remove Plants
Effective
Low risk
Recommended
B
Herbicides Triclopyr & Glyphosate
Effective
Moderate risk
Use if Necessary
C
If Using Herbicides, Protect Yourself & Minimize Risks
 
A

Physically Remove Plants

Non-Chemical Method

City of Portland Parks and Recreation : No Ivy League

Physically Remove Plants

Recommended
  • Cut ivy stems growing up trees and on structures. Leave cut vines in trees.
  • Use tools to remove vines and roots.
Does it work?
Effective
  • Several years of monitoring and effort are required to get rid of ivy.
  • Use preventive measures for best results.
How much effort?
High effort
  • Follow the ivy removal instructions below for ivy growing up trees and structures and ivy growing on the ground.
  • Return to the area each year and take action as needed.
What's the risk?
Low risk

Ivy sap may cause a skin rash. Wear a long-sleeved shirt and gloves.
Possible risk of exposure or harm from chemicals
NONE
  • Control ivy vines growing into the forest canopy. Cut and remove a vine section at a comfortable height from the ground.
  • Remove ivy vines from the ground. Cut the roots and roll the vines into a mass you can move.
  • Dispose of removed ivy in the trash. Or compost in place but monitor the pile for regrowth.
Worker cutting ivy vines growing up tree

City of Portland Parks and Recreation : No Ivy League

Cut ivy vines at chest height all the way around the tree. Then cut the vines again at hip height to create a gap in the ivy vine.

Worksite with ivy removed in a ring around tree

City of Portland Parks and Recreation : No Ivy League

Pull ivy vines away from the base of the tree. Create an area free of ivy about 6 feet away from the tree trunk. This ensures that ivy will not climb the tree in the near future.

Pile of pulled ivy vines

Weston Miller, Oregon State University

For large infestations, cut through the ivy mat. Peel back the vines along the cut edge. Roll the mat into a manageable mass as shown in the photo.

Trailer with bags of ivy

Chris Evans, University of Illinois, Bugwood.org

Composting ivy is not advised. Root and stem fragments lying on the soil surface will make new plants. Place cut ivy in a plastic bag. Put the bag in the trash or take it to a sanitary landfill. This photo shows bags of ivy on a trailer heading to the landfill.

Decomposing pile of ivy on downed tree trunk

Weston Miller, Oregon State University

If you can’t remove ivy using bags, pile loose material onto a tarp. Or pile it on top of dead tree branches, or on the ground. It may take many months for the ivy to die. Look for and kill regrowth. Prevent the cut fragments from establishing new plants.

Soil Disturbance & Erosion

  • Minimize soil disturbance as much as possible when removing ivy.
  • Regrade the soil after digging ivy roots. Apply mulch (when appropriate).
  • Take steps to prevent erosion as needed.
  • Replant the area to shade ivy seedlings.
 
B

Herbicides Triclopyr & Glyphosate

Chemical Method: Use with caution

chameleonseye, iStock

Herbicides Triclopyr & Glyphosate

Use if Necessary

Herbicides that contain the active ingredients triclopyr and glyphosate effectively control ivy when used according to label directions.

Does it work?
Effective
  • Several years of monitoring and effort are required to get rid of ivy.
  • Use preventive measures for best results.
How much effort?
Moderate effort
  • Treat individual ivy plants and patches.
  • Return to the area each year and take action as needed.
What's the risk?
Moderate risk
  • Herbicides come with real risks. ALWAYS read the entire label front to back. Review instructions even for brands you know.
  • Herbicides can run off your site into waterways and may harm wildlife. See How to Keep Pesticides Out of Waterways.
Possible risk of exposure or harm from chemicals
El uso de herbicidas conlleva cierto grado de riesgo. El riesgo más bajo se presenta con el uso de métodos alternativos.

You may be exposed to an herbicide if you:

  • Get it on your skin
  • Breathe it in
  • Eat or smoke afterward without washing hands
  • Touch or eat plants that are wet with spray (you, pets, or children)
  • Bring it inside on your shoes or clothes

Follow directions closely to reduce risk.

Herbicides with active ingredients triclopyr and/or glyphosate, used individually or in a mixture, are effective chemical treatments for ivy. Look for these chemical names in the “Active Ingredients” section of product labels.

Photo of herbicide label highlighting active ingredient triclopyr

Weston Miller, Oregon State University

  • The white box on this example product label highlights active ingredient triclopyr. The text on the label states “Kills completely - stumps and roots won’t grow.”
  • Triclopyr doesn’t injure most grasses. It is a good choice for treating ivy growing next to desired grasses in lawn, pasture, and meadow areas.
  • Triclopyr is more effective than glyphosate if the herbicide is applied to leaves.
Photo of herbicide label highlighting active ingredient glyphosate

Weston Miller, Oregon State University

  • The white box on the example label highlights active ingredient glyphosate. The text on the label states “Kills grass and weeds around flower beds, trees, shrubs....”
  • Glyphosate will damage most plants and grasses. Don’t let the spray contact plants you want to keep.

Herbicide Application Tips

  • Apply herbicide to ivy plants in the spring when new growth occurs. The new growth is more susceptible to herbicide treatment than older, waxy leaves.
  • At other times of the year, mow the ivy before herbicide treatment. Use a string trimmer, lawn mower, or hedge trimmer to cut the old leaves. The damage stimulates new growth susceptible to herbicide.
  • Ivy may take several months to die after an herbicide application.
  • Survey the area for regrowth each year. Manage it as needed.

Cut Stem Application Method

Another effective method is to cut ivy vines and paint concentrated herbicide on the cut stem within 15 minutes of cutting. This method reduces potential injury to nearby desirable plants. Follow the instructions on the label for cut stem application.

 

If Using Herbicides, Protect Yourself & Minimize Risks

Chemical Method: Use with Caution
Blue heron in marsh

BrianLasenby, iStock

Why is it important to read herbicide labels?

  • They have detailed information on how to use the product correctly and legally.
  • They contain information on potential hazards of the product.
  • They provide instructions you should follow for poisonings and spills.
  • Following label instructions helps you to minimize the risks and maximize the benefits.

Key Herbicide Safety Tips

  • Read the entire label front to back.
  • Follow the instructions.
  • Review the instructions even for brands you know.
  • Only apply the product where the label says it may be applied.
  • Be precise in your application. More is not better.

The Label is the Law

ALWAYS read the label before using herbicide products. The label is a legal document that provides information on how to safely use the herbicide. This helps avoid harm to human health and the environment. Using an herbicide in off-label ways is illegal. It can result in legal enforcement actions.

READ THE LABEL & Follow Instructions
It has instructions to protect you and the environment.

  • Labels are different for every product and they often change over time.
  • Use a magnifying glass for small print.
  • Pay attention to CAUTION, WARNING, and DANGER statements.
  • Pay attention to the PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENTS.
  • The law states you must read and follow herbicide instructions.

Protect Yourself
Eye, skin & lung irritants

  • Wear the right protective gear. This often includes chemical-resistant gloves, safety glasses, a long-sleeve shirt, pants, socks, and shoes.
  • Mix outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
  • Wash hands after mixing or applying, and before eating or smoking.
  • Take a shower immediately after handling herbicides.
  • Wash clothes worn while mixing or applying separately from other laundry.

Protect Children & Pets
Children and pets are at risk if they eat or touch the plants before it dries.

  • Keep them away during and after applying herbicides (read label for how long).
  • Remove toys and pet dishes from yard before applying.
  • Don’t track herbicide products into your home on shoes or clothes.

Protect Plants You Want to Keep

  • Glyphosate and similar herbicide ingredients damage both grass and broadleaf plants.
  • Minimize spraying of foliage, stems, exposed roots, or the trunks of desirable shrubs or trees to avoid harm.
  • Follow the label to avoid damaging the roots of trees and shrubs.

Don’t Spray into Water

  • It’s illegal to apply herbicides in a stream or slow moving/wetland pool.
  • You need a product registered for aquatic areas. This includes waterways, ditches, drains, and other places where water collects.

Avoid Wet, Windy, or Hot Weather
Use during favorable weather for best results.

  • Don’t spray when it’s raining or when rain is expected in the next 24 hours.
  • Wind causes spray to drift that can get on you and desired plants.
  • Herbicides may be less effective in hot weather if the target plants are moisture-stressed.
  • Some herbicides can turn into a vapor in hot weather and damage nearby plants.

Protect Pollinators

  • Apply in the early morning or evening when bees are less active.
  • Kill weeds before they flower. Avoid spraying flowering plants.
  • Do not spray on bees or insects.

Storage & Disposal

  • Store in a secure area away from children.
  • Don’t put unused herbicide products in the trash.
  • Never pour down any drain or waterway.
  • Take unused herbicides to a hazardous waste facility.

Call  1-800-CLEANUP (1-800-253-2687) to find out where to dispose of herbicides.

For the Portland metro region in Oregon, contact Metro’s Recycling Information. Call  503-234-3000, email   or visit Metro’s website  

More about:

About Using Pesticides on School Grounds in Oregon

If using pesticides on school grounds, there are special rules in Oregon. See School Integrated Pest Management  (Oregon Department of Agriculture).

NEED HELP?

The National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC)  can answer questions about pest control chemicals.
 1-800-858-7378 or npic@ace.orst.edu  

Consider using a licensed pest or weed control company. Learn How to Hire a Pest Control Company.

Your local Extension Specialist in Oregon  and other states  can suggest other methods.

Invasive Species Alert

  • Invasives are non-native species that spread aggressively and alter the environment.
  • Controlling unwanted ivy is costly.
  • Please do your part to control ivy on property you manage. It can spread beyond your property and impact your neighbors.
static invasive map
Invasive species data @ 2022, iMapInvasives (NatureServe)

The map shows ivy distribution in Oregon. It is already widespread (west of the Cascade Mountains). There’s no need to report infestations of it.

SEE OTHER COMMON PACIFIC NORTHWEST WEEDS

Content provided by editor Weston Miller and writers Jessica Green and J. Jeremiah Mann. Pesticide safety information edited by Kaci Buhl.

 Peer reviewed by OSU Department of Horticulture.

Photo of Weston Miller

Weston Miller

Project Founder and Content Writer

Weston Miller served as Community and Urban Horticulture faculty for Oregon State University Extension Service for Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington Counties. Weston is an author for content for this website. He developed funding partnerships with Portland area agencies to initiate and build out the Solve Pest Problems website focused on this goals:

Photo of Jessica Green

Jessica Green

Jessica Green has held various positions at Oregon State University for over 15 years. She was one of the original content contributors for Solve Pest Problems and now assists with maintaining the resource for the Oregon IPM Center. Jessica is a contributing author/editor for the PNW Weed and Insect Management handbooks, has designed and conducted research trials, and now serves as an educator for OSU's Pesticide Safety Education Program (PSEP).

J. Jeremiah Mann

J. Jeremiah Mann

J. Jeremiah Mann completed a Physical Science undergraduate degree at Humboldt State University, and M.S, Ph.D focusing on plant science topics at UC Davis. He went on to work for the Natural Resources Conservation Service and in a leadership position serving a private agricultural technology company. He currently lives in Sacramento California where he consults on pest and property management topics.

Photo of Kaci Buhl

Kaci Buhl

At the state level, I lead the Pesticide Safety Education Program (PSEP). The program hosts live recertification events around the state, serving over 1,000 licensed pesticide applicators each year. We also produce web-based training modules and license-preparation study manuals. Special training for unlicensed pesticide applicators is also available through a grant from the USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. The PSEP at OSU works closely with the Oregon Department of Agriculture's Pesticides Division.

IVY RESOURCES

English, Irish, and Persian Ivy  
4-County Cooperative Weed Management Area

Invasive Weeds in Forestland: English Ivy  
Oregon State University

English Ivy Control  
Clemson University

No Ivy League  
City of Portland Parks and Recreation

English Ivy Identification and Control  
King County, Washington