Florida Ivy (Hedera helix), native to Europe and western Asia, is a widespread invasive plant in Florida. Its rapid growth and adaptability allow it to thrive in diverse landscapes, from natural areas to urban environments, posing significant ecological concerns.
Identifying Florida Ivy
Recognizing Hedera helix is key for management. This woody perennial vine has two forms: juvenile (creeping/climbing) and adult (shrubby).
Juvenile leaves are typically dark green, glossy, and three-to-five lobed, 2 to 4 inches long. When climbing, it uses matted aerial rootlets to cling firmly to trees, walls, and other structures, often reaching over 60 feet. As a groundcover, it forms dense mats, rooting at stem nodes. The adult form, found on sun-exposed climbing plants, produces unlobed, oval leaves, greenish-yellow flowers, and black berries.
Why Florida Ivy is a Problem
Florida Ivy creates significant ecological and structural challenges. As an aggressive invader, it outcompetes native vegetation by forming dense blankets over the ground and climbing into tree canopies. This growth blocks sunlight, leading to the decline and death of underlying plants and trees. The ivy’s weight can also make trees susceptible to falling during storms.
Its strong aerial rootlets damage structures by working into mortar, wood, and lifting shingles, weakening integrity and creating pest habitats. UF/IFAS assesses Hedera helix as having a “High Invasion Risk” across Florida, not recommending its use.
Managing and Removing Florida Ivy
Effective control of Hedera helix often requires persistent effort, combining manual and chemical methods. For ground-level ivy, manual removal involves cutting the vines and pulling out the roots, which is most effective when the ground is moist. A method known as the “ivy roll” can be used for extensive ground infestations, where a line is cut in the ivy mat and the mat is rolled back upon itself. For vines climbing structures or trees, sever the vines at chest height, then remove the lower sections to create a 3-5 foot ivy-free zone around the base. The severed upper vines will eventually die and can be removed later.
Chemical control can supplement manual efforts, particularly for larger or persistent infestations. Herbicides containing glyphosate or triclopyr are often used.
Foliar applications are most effective in late summer or early fall when the plant is actively growing, especially on new, less waxy leaves for better absorption. For cut stems, apply a concentrated solution of glyphosate or triclopyr immediately after cutting. Adding a nonionic surfactant or even a small amount of dish soap or vegetable oil can help the herbicide penetrate the ivy’s waxy leaf surface. Always follow product label instructions for mixing, application rates, and safety precautions, being careful to avoid non-target plants. Proper disposal of removed plant material, such as drying or bagging it, prevents re-establishment, as ivy can resprout from stem fragments.
Native Alternatives to Florida Ivy
Replacing Hedera helix with native Florida plants restores ecological balance and supports local wildlife. Several native groundcover options thrive in Florida’s climate. Sunshine Mimosa (Mimosa strigillosa) is a low-growing perennial with sensitive leaves and pink, pom-pom-like flowers that can tolerate mowing and provide a good turf substitute. Frogfruit (Phyla nodiflora) is another excellent native groundcover, featuring small purplish-white flowers year-round, and it serves as a host plant for several butterfly species. Beach Sunflower (Helianthus debilis) offers vibrant yellow flowers and forms a lush, fast-growing groundcover suitable for sunny areas.
Native vines offer beautiful, ecologically beneficial climbing alternatives. Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) is a vigorous climber with attractive fall foliage and berries that birds consume. Carolina Jessamine (Gelsemium sempervirens) is an evergreen vine producing fragrant, trumpet-shaped yellow flowers in late winter to early spring, providing nectar for pollinators. Cross Vine (Bignonia capreolata) is another native option, a woody, semi-evergreen vine with tubular orange-red flowers that attract hummingbirds and butterflies. These native plants offer diverse textures, colors, and ecosystem support without Hedera helix’s invasive tendencies.