[Herbalist] invasive climbing ivy

[Wes Will]

At 05:32 PM 7/24/02 -0400, you wrote:
>Hi, folks:  I have just managed to kill an incredibly fast growing, woody,
>strong, well rooted ivy
...
>If anyone can identify it, please let me know.  Or is there a source online
>with PICTURES?
>Thanks!
>Bob

Odds-on that it's an import, to wit Hedera Helix, or "English Ivy".  Check
these pics,  this first one in particular:

http://www.invasive.org/browse/detail.cfm?imgnum=0580097
http://www.invasive.org/browse/detail.cfm?imgnum=0580099
http://www.invasive.org/browse/detail.cfm?imgnum=0580096
http://www.invasive.org/browse/detail.cfm?imgnum=0580095

The leaves vary a bit, from a pronounced 5-pointed star to a somewhat
rounded heart shape.  I just call it "Tree-Killer" or "House-Eater", and
rip it up as it reappears.

Do us all a favour, please:  KILL THIS STUFF !!  I hate it.  Despise it.
loathe it, even.  Don't let it get out!

I've managed to extend the life of an extremely old maple by another decade
or so by removing _several hundred feet_ of ivy careful from it's bark.
The tree is still going to die, from disease and rot introduced by this
nasty stuff, but I don't have to come up with an immediate solution for a
dead 130 cm. diameter tree, 80 feet or more tall, haongin over my back deck
and roof.  I can whittle the dying parts out a bit at a time and spread the
demise out over at least another few years....

--
Eoin Caimbeul