Species library · Plants & herbs

Atlantic Ivy: poisonous

Hedera hibernica

☠ Poisonous. Do not eat.What to do if poisoning is suspected

Atlantic Ivy is classed as poisonous in the Forage field guide. This page helps you identify it and tell it apart from similar species. It is not a foraging guide. When in doubt, have a find identified by an expert.

If you suspect poisoning, call your local poison control center right away. If someone has trouble breathing, has a seizure or is unconscious, call emergency services. Don't wait for symptoms: with some poisonings they only start hours later. Keep any leftovers of the find, they help identify it.

Usually seen from September to November in the northern hemisphere. Found in Woodland, Woodland edges, Scrub & hedgerows. Can be confused with similar species.

☠ Poisonous
Atlantic Ivy (Hedera hibernica)

Photo: (c) Jamie O'Neill, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Jamie O'Neill · iNaturalist

When Atlantic Ivy appears

Typical window in the northern hemisphere. The southern hemisphere runs about six months offset.

Where it grows

Atlantic Ivy is usually found in Woodland, Woodland edges, Scrub & hedgerows.

Look up Atlantic Ivy in the app

In the Forage app, Atlantic Ivy has a full field guide entry with more photos, key features and the species it can be confused with.

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Atlantic Ivy: common questions

Is Atlantic Ivy poisonous?

Yes. Atlantic Ivy is classed as poisonous in the Forage field guide. Do not eat it. If you suspect poisoning, call your local poison control center right away, or emergency services if it is life-threatening.

When does Atlantic Ivy appear?

Atlantic Ivy usually appears from September to November in temperate northern regions. The exact timing shifts with latitude, elevation and each year's weather.

Where does Atlantic Ivy grow?

Atlantic Ivy is usually found in Woodland, Woodland edges, Scrub & hedgerows.

What can Atlantic Ivy be confused with?

Toxic look-alikes: Common ivy, Virginia creeper, Poison ivy. Only a confident identification tells them apart. When in doubt, have a find checked by an expert.

One note before you head out

Forage helps you discover and identify wild plants, but identification is never 100% certain. Many edible plants have toxic lookalikes. Never eat anything you find based only on what this app tells you. Always confirm with a field guide, an experienced forager or a local expert. The season score tells you where to look, too: it’s not a guarantee. Mind conservation law and property rights as well.

Species photos via Wikimedia Commons and iNaturalist · full credits