These two vines look similar — can you identify Boston ivy vs English ivy? Learn the differences and whether these plants are invasive.
Boston Ivy vs English Ivy: What’s the Difference?
Updated on Oct. 05, 2024
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English Ivy
English ivy, known also by its botanic name Hedera helix, grows in Zones 4 to 13. It can grow up to 80 feet tall and 50 feet wide, and occasional chartreuse umbels appear on mature stalks followed by black drupelike fruits. While it definitely has potential to fill a space, it’s best potted indoors. English ivy’s invasive nature and aggressive spreading can cause concern in an outdoor landscape. It’s listed as invasive in several states.
Furthermore, English ivy can pose problems to people and pets. This plant is toxic to pets, humans and livestock. It’s also very hard to remove once it’s established.
Looking for an alternative? Check out our list of fast-growing vines to add to your yard.
Boston Ivy
Boston ivy, also known by its botanic name Parthenocissus tricuspidata, grows in Zones 4 to 8. This is a large plant, growing up to 60 feet tall and 10 feet wide. You can keep it within its bounds through pruning. Inconspicuous yellow flowers under its leaves attract bees. Gardeners typically use Boston ivy as a ground cover, a vertical wall cover with sturdy support, to cover stumps, or as erosion control. It boasts excellent fall color.
This ivy isn’t considered toxic, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be a bother. Invasive in some areas, Boston ivy can damage wood, shingles, gutters or painted surfaces.
Discover easy ways to use vining plants all around your garden.
Boston Ivy vs English Ivy
Both English ivy and Boston ivy should be planted with some caution.
English ivy, especially, can pose problems for homeowners who decide to use it as a climbing vine on a wall. Its rootlets can weaken the structure over time. English ivy is best grown on trellises, fences, or in confined areas where it can be monitored and maintained.
Boston ivy, however, grows on the surface of the structure. While it can cause some damage, it attaches itself without creating extensive problems.
If you’re a fan of baseball, you might’ve seen one of these ivies without knowing it. Boston ivy is celebrated as sluggers’ balls reach the ivy-adorned walls at Boston’s Fenway Park and Chicago’s Wrigley Field.
When you’re done learning the differences between Boston ivy vs English ivy, learn about growing trumpet vine.
Sources
- North Carolina State Extension, “Hedera helix” and “Parthenocissus tricuspidata“
- Missouri Botanical Garden, “Parthenocissus tricuspidata“
- Invasive Plant Atlas, “English Ivy“
