How Many Leaves Does an Ivy Plant Have?

Ivy Type

• Ivies, such as Algerian, English and Persian ivy, that are grown as houseplants or landscaping plants have leaves with three lobes. The leaves may form in clusters on fast-growing vines, and are evergreen in mild climates. Poison ivy, on the other hand, produces three leaflets on each stem. Don't confuse poison ivy with Virginia creeper. The two resemble each other, but Virginia creeper has five leaflets. Boston ivy, which is not ivy at all but is related to Virginia creeper, produces large-lobed leaves that turn fiery red or purple in the fall.

Size

• The number of leaves on an ivy plant varies, depending on the age, health and size of the plant. Mature ivy growing outdoors may ramble 50 feet or more, producing thousands of leaves during each growing season. Small houseplants rarely grow larger than 2 feet and have significantly fewer leaves.

Form

• True ivies always take a rambling, vining form, adhering to walls, fences or even other plants via aerial rootlets. Poison ivy, on the other hand, may take the form of a vine, ground cover or low shrub, depending on the species and climate. The vines usually are somewhat fuzzy. True ivies produce many leaves with smooth edges, while poison ivy may have serrated or smooth leaves. Ivy may be green or variegated.

Considerations

• In addition to evaluating the leaves and form when identifying ivy, watch for flowers and fruit. True ivy and Boston ivy produce small yellowish to greenish flowers in the spring, followed by purple or black fruit in the fall. Poison ivy produces greenish flowers followed by white or gray waxy berries.