Common ivy (Hedera helix), also known as European ivy, bindwood, or lovestone, is a species of climbing plant in the family Araliaceae. This species is originally native to western Eurasia, but has become widespread due to the plant trade. Growing up trees, walls, and cliffs, it may reach heights of nearly a hundred feet. Fruits from common ivy come in the form of small berries which are eaten by many bird species. Ivy berries are poisonous to mammals, but extracts can be used to make cough medicines. The leaves and berries have both been historically used as expectorants to treat bronchitis.
There are three recognized subspecies:
- Hedera helix helix, found in northern, central, and western Europe
- Hedera helix poetarum, the Italian ivy, found in southeastern Europe and southwestern Asia
- Hedera helix rhizomatifera, found only in southwestern Spain