Land Plants - invasive

Ivy, English or Atlantic (Hedera helix or Hedera hibernica) on Apr 22, 2008

Submitter does not have a specimen

Description of specimen

English Ivy in many forms. And under many different guises - check your local nursery. It's alive and well, and ready to be planted. Never mind that it's against the law. It's available, regardless.

Commentary

Thanks for your submission. Yes indeed, unfortunately English ivy is already very widespread across much of the western PNW. English ivy is actually now on the Oregon State Noxious Weed List, but still allows it to be grown and sold for topiary (or indoor) purposes. By the end of 2009, no forms of English ivy (the straight species) will be legal to be sold in Oregon. However, the noxious weed laws in Oregon will still allow the exception of named cultivars of English ivy (Hedera helix or H. hibernica) to be grown, sold, etc.

Mandy Tu
April 22, 2008, 3:35 p.m.

Remedy

Thanks for your report! Unfortunately ivy is too widespread and resources are too thin for land managers to assist with control. Controlling this species is of high importance, and we encourage you to take the steps to control this plant on your property. Below is some information to help you with this. Don't despair, you can do it!

Tackling an infestation of ivy is no easy task, but well worth the investment. If you notice a small infestation, do not delay in removing it. The longer one waits to treat ivy, the effort it takes to remedy the situation increases exponentially. If you have a large infestation that seems overwhelming try breaking the project into smaller more manageable areas, and tackle new areas as time allows. If you set smaller goals you might be less likely to be discouraged.

Follow these simple steps for an ivy free landscape.
• Carefully cut vines climbing trees and pull these vines away from the base of the tree. • Pull vines and roots from ivy creeping along the ground. Don’t forget your gloves and scissors.
• Dispose of cut vines in yard waste, or dry out completely and compost • Re-visit the site regularly to control re-growth

For more detailed information on English ivy and its control see this handout from King County Noxious Weed Control

Resources

Want to join forces with your community to fight invasives? There are lots of people involved in this effort already! The links below can connect you with opportunities:

Find your local Soil and Water Conservation District

Volunteer with SOLV or The Nature Conservancy in Oregon

Location

Are you kidding????? All over Portland!! Let's start with St. Helens Road, where the land is literally sliding off the cliffs near the south end of the St. Johns Bridge. Or, travel up Leif Ericson Drive, where ivy sways out of every fir and maple. What is up, Portland? Why are we still allowing this stuff to be marketed in each and every nursery and garden center? I have fought it, and fought it, and still it thrives. And will continue to until we begin to take it seriously. I consider ivy one of the worst threats to our beautiful Pacific Northwest so far.

Expert Reviewer

Dr. Mandy Tu
The Nature Conservancy

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