How to identify Persian ivy (Hedera colchica)

How to identify Persian ivy (Hedera colchica)

Persian ivy, also known as Fragrant ivy

Persian ivy boasts lush foliage, with leaves that are notably large, reaching up to 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) in length. The leaves display a rich, dark green hue, with distinctive leathery texture and a glossy finish. Each leaf presents a heart-shaped base and pointed tip, with prominent veins throughout. The plant's robust nature allows it to create an extensive ground cover, its stems climbing or spreading across surfaces with vigorous ease. Persian ivy's ability to thrive in shaded areas and form a dense mat makes it identifiable among ground covers.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Vine

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Quickly Identify Persian ivy

Large, glossy leaves with heart-shaped base and pointed tip, reaching 6-8 inches (15-20 cm).

Umbrella-shaped clusters of small greenish flowers, blooming late summer to fall.

Small, round berries with deep black color, clustered visibly in winter.

Dual leaf morphology: juvenile palmately five-lobed, adult unlobed and cordate.

Brown woody stems with aerial rootlets, over 0.4 inches (1 cm) in diameter.

Detailed Traits of Persian ivy

Leaf Features

Persian ivy has distinct leaves that vary between juvenile and adult forms. Juvenile leaves are palmately five-lobed, while adult leaves are unlobed and cordate (heart-shaped). Typically, leaves can reach up to 10 inches (25 cm) in length and 6 inches (15 cm) in width. They exhibit a rich, dark green color with a glossy texture. The veins are pronounced and radiate from the leaf base. This dual-leaf morphology is a key characteristic for identifying persian ivy.

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Flower Features

The flowers of persian ivy are individually small and greenish, each measuring approximately 0.2 inches (5 mm) in diameter. They are densely packed in large, umbrella-shaped clusters called umbels. These flowers exude a rich source of nectar and have a subtle scent. They typically bloom from late summer to fall, providing vital sustenance for pollinators. The arrangement of flowers is conspicuous, making them an important feature for easy identification.

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Stem Features

The stem of persian ivy is characterized by its brown color and is outfitted with aerial rootlets that aid in clinging to surfaces. These stems are typically woody and sturdy, exhibiting a rough texture. They can vary in thickness but are generally robust, often over 0.4 inches (1 cm) in diameter. The branching pattern is irregular, with stems frequently sending off shoots to create a dense mat. These unique features make the stem easily identifiable and suitable for climbing.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of persian ivy is characterized by its small, round shape, approximately 1/3 inch (about 8 mm) in diameter. Upon maturing in winter, the berries display a deep black hue. The glossy, somewhat fleshy exterior encases the seeds, which are typically dispersed by birds after consumption. These botanic drupes cluster together, forming groups that stand out against the foliage, providing a stark visual contrast in the colder months.

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Persian ivy and Their Similar Plants

English ivy vs. Persian ivy: What's The Difference?

English ivy is the most common climber of European forests. It is a perennial woody vine with evergreen, dark, shiny lobed leaves. It utilizes aerial rootlets to attach to the tree bark with exceptional strength, helping the english ivy creep more than 15 m up a tree. Hedera helix also grows as a forest groundcover and is invasive outside its native range.

Algerian ivy vs. Persian ivy: What's The Difference?

Algerian ivy Hedera canariensis is commonly planted as an ornamental, engulfing fences, house walls, sheds, and old tree trunks. But beware, although it has an alluring look, It's a vigorous grower and will need to actively be kept at bay to prevent it from taking over! Although it prefers moist, rich soil, it will tolerate poorer conditions.

Japanese ivy vs. Persian ivy: What's The Difference?

It is an evergreen wood vine or shrub or bush perennial climbing 10 m length, with aerial roots. Stems are green. The leaves of Hedera rhombea are medium green, rhombic diamond shaped leaves. Leaves have petiole, is glossy and dark green. The bisexual flowers are yellow-green having 4 to 5 mm diameter. Different kinds of flowers, small, greenish-yellow, gathered in large numbers in erect umbrellas.

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Key Facts About Persian ivy

Attributes of Persian ivy

Plant Type

Vine

Plant Height

9 m to 15 m

Spread

3 m to 6 m

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Color

Green

White

Fruit Color

Black

Blue

Stem Color

Brown

Bronze

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Scientific Classification of Persian ivy

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Carrots, ivies and allies

Family

Ivy

Genus

Ivy

Species

Persian ivy (Hedera colchica)

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Distribution Map of Persian ivy

Persian ivy is native to the eastern Black Sea region, flourishing within temperate areas and lush mountain forests. This plant has been introduced and well-established in various parts of Europe and as far as Australia. It is also widely cultivated across regions where it is not indigenous, favoring temperate climates.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

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A Comprehensive Guide to Persian ivy How to Grow and Care for Persian ivy