Algerian Ivy vs English Ivy: What’s The Difference?

Algerian Ivy and English Ivy are often mistaken for one another, especially because the leaves have similar shapes. Despite their similarities, there are key and noticeable differences. Within the ivy family, there are 12 to 15 distinct species of these woody plants. They are beautiful, grow tall, and spread quickly. While you may not know the differences between Algerian ivy and English ivy, you have likely seen both growing on the side of buildings and old cars.

Ready to learn more about these awesome plants? Keep on reading!

Comparing Algerian Ivy vs English Ivy

Key Differences Between Algerian Ivy vs English Ivy

The key differences between Algerian Ivy and English Ivy are flowers, description, uses, hardiness, and origin.

These plants have more similarities than differences. However, while they belong to the same family, the flowers and growth rate are not the same. Both plants can be kept indoors as houseplants if they have the right amount of water and light.

Algerian Ivy vs English Ivy: Flowers

Ivy plants are mostly known for their vivid dark green leaves. However, did you know they also bloom and produce berries? Algerian ivy flowers are umbrella-like and range from a pale yellow to whitish green. Keep in mind that the fruit and flowers produced by Algerian ivy are toxic and should not be consumed. English ivy similarly produces umbrella-like flowers. The berries are dark blue and purple. English ivy flowers bloom green, white, or yellow. When English ivy produces flowers and berries, they bloom in large clusters.

Algerian Ivy vs English Ivy: Description

Algerian ivy plants are beautiful, thick, and vibrant. Its stems are reddish, and its leaves are a deep green. While most leaves appear similar, they differ in size, shape, and color. For example, some Algerian ivy plants are variegated. This means that its leaves vary in color with white tips or spots. Although Algerian ivy plants are often planted in the ground as a cover, they can still climb up 40 feet.

English Ivy looks quite different from Algerian ivy upon further inspection. For instance, English ivy plants have deep green leaves that are either heart-shaped or oval. They are often spotted climbing on trees, buildings, and brick walls up to 90 feet. They are woody vines with thick roots and stems. While they don’t always flower, when these plants do, they produce small bunches of yellow blossoms.

Algerian Ivy vs English Ivy: Uses

Although this section is titled ‘uses,’ that does not mean you should confidentially consume either plant. Actually, both Algerian and English ivy is toxic. However, you can use both ivy vines to improve air circulation and cleanliness. Some studies show that English ivy can lead to improved respiratory conditions.

While you can grow Algerian and English ivy indoors as houseplants, they regularly grow outside widely and as cover and decorations in front yards. Algerian ivy is used as a cover crop for most front and backyards. They grow really well on the ground and stretch, showing off the vine’s beautiful green and white leaves. English ivy is naturally common in forests, gardens, and urban locations but is sometimes grown to give a home a mystical or cottage-like look.

Algerian Ivy vs English Ivy: Hardiness

Despite sharing a similar appearance, Algerian and English ivy does not grow in the same USDA zones. For example, Algerian ivy grows naturally in zones 7-11. While it does require some sunlight, too much direct sun may stunt the growth of the vine. It is not a cold hardy plant and may die or stay dormant during cold winters. It is best to bring the vine inside.

English ivy is a lot more versatile and not as picky. This type of vine grows in USDA zones 4-13. They bloom during Fall and can tolerate colder climates. English ivy plants love the shade and prefer growing away from direct sunlight. They are easy to grow indoors as well and don’t require frequent watering. Too much watering can easily lead to root rot, slowly killing the plant and leaving your home with a musky scent.

Algerian Ivy vs English Ivy: Origin

Although Algerian ivy and English ivy vines come from the same family and species, they grow in completely different places. The origin of the Algerian ivy is the coastal mountains in Algeria and other coastal parts of North Africa. While they originate only in those places, they grow well in North America as they are drought resistant. English Ivy, however, is found in Europe, Western Asia, and Northern Africa. It also grows throughout North America as it was brought to the continent by European settlers in 1727 as a ‘low-maintenance’ cover crop.

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https://www.healthline.com/health/5-fast-facts-english-ivy#how-to-use-it

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