Hedera Helix, more commonly known as English Ivy, is an invasive species of ivy.
It’s originally native to parts of Asia and Europe. It was brought over to America by early settlers as a decorative kind of plant. More usage of it for landscaping and general beautification furthered its spread.
From the Fire Effects Information System (FEIS) of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), there has been 169 reports of this species threatening native plant communities in Washington D.C. These reports can go as high as 100,000 in some states like Oregon.
It likes to grow on the ground and climb on trees. As it grows, it steals light for itself. It then starts suffocating the branches of whatever tree it has made its host. The added weight from the vines makes the tree more likely to blow over during a harsh storm.
