[Herbalist] invasive climbing ivy

[robert leonard]

on 7/25/02 7:23 AM, robert leonard at rleonard at planetcable.net wrote:

> on 7/23/02 10:43 PM, Wes Will at wwill at globaleyes.net wrote:
>
>> 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
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>
> Hello:  Thank you for your look.  I don't believe it is English Ivy.  But I
> don't know enough about the varieties to really tell.  One of the features
> of this invasisve is that it has tendrils that lead the growth.  It is
> extremely fast growing.  Of course, I have selectively killed it, saving
> even the common weeds from eradication.  I am going to visit a florist today
> who has a lot of local knowledge.  Maybe he can Identify it.  I will get a
> cutting from the other location I found where it is growing.  If I get a
> positive id I will share it with everyone.
>
> Thanks again!
>
> Bob
>
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The plant is Virginia Creeper.  I had misidentified it on a website that
their pictures mixed up.

bob