DFB's Greenthumb Project

[DFB FGXR6]

Is there a more insufferable weed than English Ivy? I think not, especially after injuring my back trying to pull a large infestation from a fence/gate/garden shed/hedge.

Actually, looking into this, most of that people know of English Ivy (Hedera helix) is actually Irish Ivy (Hedera hibernica).

https://weeds.org.au/profiles/english-ivy/
https://www.walterreeves.com/landsca...dentification/

“Irish Ivy is normally larger than English Ivy, in both its leaves and petioles. The Irish ivy leaf is wider than long, with a broad terminal lobe and the leaves are shiny with greenish, not white veins. Also English ivy has a musty odor, while Irish ivy’s is sweet-ish."





The seeds are highly attractive to birds, helping it spread far and wide. But the ability to take root from any piece of the plant is its hallmark for survival. And because of that extensive root development, it's extremely hard to control, be that chemically or mechanically. I've seen Ivy drink glyphosate as if it were fertilizer. I have heard of using dousing it with kerosene, but that would contaminate the surrounding soil.