Hedera (Ivy)

climbing plants · evergreen · nature

Twelve to fifteen species. Hedera is actually a whole family of plants with many different types, not just one kind of ivy. They all come from Europe, Africa, and Asia.

Expert climbers. Ivy plants have special tiny rootlets that let them grab onto walls, trees, and rocks without needing soil. They can climb super high using these natural suction cups.

Wall decorators. People plant ivy on brick walls and buildings because it looks beautiful, stays green all year, and can make old buildings look magical and hidden by nature.

Spread around the world. English ivy, the most famous type, started in Western Europe but people have planted it in gardens and on houses everywhere, from North America to Australia.

Year-round green. Unlike trees that lose their leaves in winter, ivy is evergreen, which means it keeps its leaves all through the cold months and stays colorful when everything else looks bare.