English Ivy - Tree Canada

evergreen climbing vine with waxy, dark green, white-veined leaves
belongs to the Ginseng family
attaches to trees by sticky rootlets that develop along the stem
vine stems can be up to 30 cm (12 in) in diameter and can climb to 30 metres (100 ft) in the canopy
reproduces by seeds contained in black berry-like fruits
birds eat the berries and are responsible for long-distance spread of English Ivy since the seeds within the fruit pass through the bird without damage
can reproduce vegetatively from broken or cut vines that root easily
leaves contain a toxin which prevents most browsing
prefers open woods

can grow in dense patches in open woodland, forest openings, and forest edges
can form a thick, evergreen, ground cover that suppresses native tree seedlings
can engulf and kill lower branches of trees due to heavy shade
the extra weight of the vines and evergreen leaves causes the host tree to be much more susceptible to blow down from winds or heavy rain, snow, or ice
may harbor a plant disease called Bacterial Leaf Scorch (Xylella fastidiosa), that harms elms, oaks, and maples

cutting stems followed by herbicide application to the cut stems
herbicide application to the entire vine
several years of control may be needed since the seeds are unaffected by the above methods and seedlings can recolonize an area

Tree Killers: English Ivy