Why English Ivy Invades

The Ivy League: a set of the most prestigious universities in the Northeast part of the United States. Known for its competitive academics, Division I sports, and aesthetic appeal, these colleges host only the most eligible and qualified students around the country. When you look at the buildings around these campuses, you often see ivy growing up the rustic brick walls that categorize these specific universities as “Ivy League.” However, this plant species is invasive in the United States and is an aggressive invader threatening all levels of forested and open areas, growing along the ground as well into the forest canopy. Vines of English Ivy climb up tree trunks and cover branches and twigs, blocking sunlight from the host tree’s foliage, impeding photosynthesis. Trees that become infested from English Ivy will display signs of deterioration before it eventually dies after a couple of years. Another reason why it’s an invasive species is due to the …show more content…
It infests woodlands, forest edges, fields, hedgerows, coastal areas, salt marsh edges, and other upland areas, especially where some soil moisture is present. It doesn’t grow well in extremely wet conditions and tolerates a wide range of soil pH, but prefers slightly acidic topsoil. Other than by runners or birds, English Ivy spreads locally through vegetative growth and new plants can grow from cut or broken pieces of stems that are able to root in the soil. English Ivy has the capability to rot masonry and siding on buildings because they attach to walls that retain moisture. It prohibits buildings from receiving proper moisture, thus leading it to rot and decay. The stems, leaves, and berries it produces are poisonous when consumed in vast quantities, which influences severe skin irritation when it comes into contact with the sap. An individual who gets poisoned may experience hallucinations, convulsions, delirium, fever, stupor and