ForestHarvest: non-timber forest products in Scotland

 PRODUCTS

Ivy (Hedera helix)

Family: Araliaceae

Description

Evergreen shiny-leaved climber, common on broadleaved woodland trees and walls.

Habitat

Various types of broadleaved woodland.

Uses

The foliage is collected for Christmas decoration. It is also gathered and sold to florists for use in wreaths and floral arrangements.

Ivy berries provide a source of mauve dye.

Crushed ivy leaves are used to treat warts. A hot poultice (made from a handful of chopped leaves mixed with a handful of bran and moistened with boiling water) is beneficial for rheumatic pain, boils and abscesses. NEVER TAKE IVY INTERNALLY - IT IS POISONOUS.

Gathering

Foliage can be collected at any time of year.

Image provided by William Milliken/RBGE