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Naturalist Corner     Invasive Species Spotlight: English Ivy Winter is the time of year that Hedera helix, or English ivy, makes its presence known in the natural areas of Fairfax County. Widely planted (probably since ornamentals were first imported to the US), it is often described as "a lovely, evergreen groundcover." It is also described as "an invasive species." English ivy has been linked to loss of diversity because of its growth habitat - a vine that smothers the understory. English ivy has also grown into the tree canopy, weighing down trees, shading out the leaves and damaging tree health. Vines in general become especially aesthetically unpleasant and can make a high quality natural area look to be in bad shape. Invasive species are widely considered to be the second worst cause of ecosystem function degradation (the first is habitat loss). Healthy ecosystems provide better air quality, better water quality, more opportunities for wildlife and plant diversity, and more opportunities to discover something new. In Fairfax County, with less than 10% of the land protected in natural areas, it is even more important that our natural areas are able to function as best they can. If not you, who? Take the time to assess the area around your house - can you spot English ivy creeping up the trees? Now is a great time of year to remove it. Replant this spring with a mix of native ground covers like ferns, spring beauty, Dutchman's breeches and trillium - guaranteed to be a much more interesting (and less invasive) bunch! English ivy is especially dangerous to trees. Once the vine has reached the branches, the extra weight can cause branches to break, injuring the tree and allowing access for pathogens or fungus infections. Spring Beauty blooms in early spring in colors ranging from white to red. The Red Trillium can spread out as clones, slowly creating a carpet of native wildflowers. Dutchman's breeches, and its close relative, Squirrel Corn, have multiple white flowers held high above delicately dissected leaves.