Common name:	English ivy
Botanical name:	Hedera helix
Family:	Araliaceae (ginseng family).
Origin:	Native to temperate Europe, where it was found in forests and hedges. It is commonly found growing on trees, on the walls, and on the sides of houses.
Description:	A woody evergreen plant that often grows as a vine. Five lobed green leaves, although there are several variegated cultivars. Yellowish-green flowers can be seen in fall. Black globular berries.

Applications:	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-diino-3-ol) and didehydrofalcarinol.
Allergy:	Both of them irritating and allergic contact dermatitis Contact with English ivy has been reported, usually after pulling vines from walls, trees, etc. However, it has been reported in children after contact when climbing ivy-covered trees.
Cross reactions:	Cross reactions with the Queensland umbrella tree: Brassaia (Schefflera) actinophyllaa common house plant. It can also cross-react with members of the carrot and celery family (Umbilliferae) that may contain falcarinol.
Other information:	The 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:	Sheet as is, falcarinol 0.1%.