Ivy by Wanderer MoonChild

Botanical Basics

1. Common Name(s): Ivy, Common Ivy, English Ivy
2. Folk Name(s): Bindwood, Lovestone, True Ivy
3. Scientific/Latin Name: Hedera helix (most common); other species include Hedera hibernica (Irish Ivy).
4. Family: Araliaceae
5. Plant Type: Evergreen climbing or trailing perennial vine
6. Botanical Description: Woody evergreen vine with leathery, lobed dark green leaves marked with light veins. Juvenile forms have 3–5 lobed leaves; mature plants produce unlobed, oval leaves with clusters of small greenish-yellow flowers followed by black-purple berries. Clings with aerial rootlets.
7. Growing Zones/Climate: USDA Zones 4–9; hardy and adaptable.
8. Best Zones for Growth: Zones 5–8; tolerates shade and colder climates well.
9. Habitat & Range: Native to Europe, western Asia, and North Africa. Widely naturalized in North America and other regions.

Cultivation & Harvest

1. Soil & Sun Requirements: Prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soil. Tolerates shade to full sun but thrives in partial shade.
2. Propagation: Easily propagated from stem cuttings or layering.
3. Companion Planting: Not commonly used in garden companion planting—can be invasive. Sometimes used as groundcover around trees and walls.
4. Harvesting Guidelines: Leaves are gathered in spring through autumn; avoid berries, as they are toxic.
5. Drying/Preservation: Leaves can be air-dried and stored for external preparations.

Traditional & Historical Use

1. Cultural Significance: Sacred to the ancient Greeks and Romans; associated with Dionysus/Bacchus (wine, revelry, and immortality). Ivy wreaths were worn for celebrations and by poets for inspiration.
2. Traditional Medicine: Used historically as an expectorant for coughs, and topically for skin conditions, burns, and rheumatism.
3. Symbolism: Fidelity, eternal life, friendship, binding (both protective and restrictive).

Medicinal & Practical Properties

1. Active Constituents: Saponins (hederacoside C), flavonoids, polyacetylenes, tannins.
2. Medicinal Uses:
   
3. Expectorant—loosens phlegm and eases coughs.
4. Anti-inflammatory and soothing for arthritis and sore joints.
5. Topical applications for skin eruptions, wounds, and minor burns.
   
6. Preparation Methods:
   
7. Infused oils and salves for topical use.
8. Standardized extracts for respiratory health (commonly used in modern European herbal medicine).
   
9. Dosage & Guidelines: Leaves should not be ingested raw; use only prepared extracts or teas under professional guidance. Commercial ivy leaf syrups are often used for children’s coughs.
10. Safety/Precautions: Fresh leaves and berries are toxic if ingested in quantity—can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Skin contact may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Magical & Spiritual Properties

1. Elemental Association: Water & Earth
2. Planetary/Deity Correspondence: Saturn (binding, endurance), Dionysus/Bacchus (celebration, vitality), Osiris (resurrection).
3. Magical Correspondences: Fidelity, binding spells, protection, friendship, immortality, spiritual growth.
4. Ritual Use: Used in wreaths and garlands for weddings, funerals, and seasonal rites; carried as a charm for fidelity and enduring love. In protective magic, ivy may be woven around doorways or used in charms to ward off negativity.
5. Symbolism in Divination/Dreams: Dreaming of ivy often symbolizes strong bonds—friendship, love, or commitments that endure through hardship.

Ecological & Culinary Uses

1. Pollinator Value: Flowers (in autumn) are a late nectar source for bees and pollinators when few others bloom.
2. Wildlife Uses: Provides shelter for birds, insects, and small animals. Berries (toxic to humans) are eaten by some birds in winter.
3. Culinary Uses: Not suitable for culinary use—leaves and berries are toxic.

Household/Practical Uses

1. Quick Uses: Groundcover, wall/cliff stabilizer, ornamental plant.
2. Notable Traits: Hardy and evergreen; provides greenery year-round; invasive in some regions.
3. Special Notes: Often planted in cemeteries as a symbol of eternal life and remembrance. Must be carefully managed to prevent damage to trees and structures.

Supporting Notes

1. References:
   
2. Grieve, M. A Modern Herbal
3. Chevallier, A. Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine
4. Hoffman, D. Medical Herbalism
5. Cunningham, S. Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs