Friends of Calera Creek Park

January 15, 2025 | Contributed by Carlos Davidson

Non-native plants are plants that do not naturally occur in a given area – they are generally introduced by humans. Invasive plants are plants that outcompete native plants for space and or resources. Non-native invasive plants can harm native plant communities in a variety of ways. This in turn can negatively affect animals that depend on native plants for food or shelter.

One of the most common non-native invasive plants in Calera Creek Park is English ivy (Hedera helix). It is native to Europe and introduced in California. English ivy grows quickly and can cover and shade out understory vegetation. It can also harm and in some cases kill trees by climbing into the canopy. 

To remove ivy from trees, cut the vines near the base and then let the vines above die. Do not pull the vines down as this may damage the tree. If ivy is pulled up in the fall while in fruit, then put the cuttings into a landfill rather than compost.

For more information on English Ivy see:
https://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/terrestrial/plants/english-ivy
https://envirostewards.rutgers.edu/2023/10/23/october-invasive-plant-of-the-month-english-ivy/
https://wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Plants/Dont-Plant-Me/English-Ivy