English Ivy

English ivy (Hedera helix) is a fast-growing, woody evergreen perennial which grows as a climbing vine or trailing ground cover. It is native to Europe and Russia, but has been cultivated as an ornamental worldwide.

All parts of the plant contains hederasaponins, which undergo partial hydrolysis to form toxic substances which can poison ruminants if ingested in large amounts. It also contains allergenic and irritant compounds (falcarinol and didehydrofalcarinol) which can cause intense burning and dermatitis.