English
Ivy
Plant
Poisonous to Cats
Common
name: English Ivy
Botanical name: Hedera helix
Family: Araliaceae (ginseng family).
Origin: Originally from temperate Europe where it was found
in woods and hedgerows. Commonly found growing on trees, walls and
sides of houses.
Description: A woody evergreen plant which often grows as
a creeper. Five lobed green leaves although a number of variegated
cultivars exist. Yellowish green flowers may be seen in autumn.
Black globular berries.
Uses: Extracts from english ivy have been used as tonics,
expectorants and as poutices for bruises.
Allergens: Falcarinol (a diacetylene; heptadeca-1,9-diene-4,6-diyne-3-ol)
and didehydrofalcarinol.
Allergy (human): Both irritant and allergic contact dermatitis
has been reported from contact with English ivy, usually after pulling
off creepers from walls, trees, etc. However, it has been reported
in children following contact by climbing in trees covered with
ivy.
Cross reactions: Cross reactions with Queensland umbrella
tree: Brassaia (Schefflera) actinophyllaa common house plant. May
also cross react with members of the carrot and celery family (Umbilliferae)
which may contain falcarinol.
Other information: Berries are poisonous if eaten. English
ivy should not be confused with ground ivy or poison ivy (Toxicodendron
spp.) which are different species.
Patch test: Leaf as is, falcarinol 0.1%.
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