How Does Ivy Spread?

Stems

• Young ivy plants creep along the ground, spreading quickly through rootlike stems and sprouts. Ivy thrives in moist, partially shaded soil and may become invasive. It has escaped into woodland areas where it outcompetes native vegetation, choking and killing other plants.

Fruit

• Ivy produces white flowers in spring, followed by black or purple berries in the fall. Each berry contains one seed. Birds feed on the berries and distribute them throughout natural areas and yards. The digestive system of the birds scarifies the seeds, or softens their hard shell, increasing germination.

Aerial Roots

• Ivy clings to surfaces through aerial rootlets and will climb almost anything, including fences, walls, structures and even other plants. Use ivy to hide an unattractive wall or allow it to scramble over a fence. Use care, though, because the rootlets can damage bricks and masonry. Cut the ivy back frequently so it doesn't cover doors or windows. In the wild, ivy climbs trees and shrubs, choking them to death.

Propagation

• Ivy is easy to propagate through cuttings. To gain additional plants, cut a 6-inch stem off a young ivy plant. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the stem and dig the stem in a rooting hormone. Plant the stem in a small pot filled with coarse sand or vermiculite. Keep the soil evenly moist. Within three to four weeks, the stem will grow new white roots. Once it is rooted, plant it in a pot filled with potting soil.