Forest & Kim Starr
Family
Asteraceae
Botanical Name
Delairea odorata
Plant Common Name
African Ivy, Cape Ivy, Climbing Groundsel, German Ivy
Special Notice
This entry has yet to be reviewed and approved by L2G editors.
General Description
Lustrous, angular leaves that grow from sprawling and twining burgundy-violet stems makes the cape ivy alluring year round. However, the rampant growth rate, rooting stems and high production of seeds usually finds this perennial vine from South Africa considered a noxious environmental weed. Cape ivy has been naturalized across various continents, especially in Mediterranean climates throughout coastal forests.
The leaves are rounded with six large blunt lobes or massive teeth, always mimicking the look of the leaves of true ivy (Hedera spp.). Leaves are bright glossy green when emerging and then become a dark emerald green. This perennial vine is evergreen. While able to bloom sporadically year round, most of the yellow flower clusters occur from fall to very early spring. Each blossom is a tiny yellow daisy with threadlike stamens, attracting bees and butterflies. Seeds are blown around and lifted by the wind thanks to a ivory-tan fibers.
Cape ivy readily adapts to many soil and light situations. It grows most robustly in partial sun to dappled shade in forests where the soil is fertile and average to wet. Salt- and moderately drought-tolerant, cape ivy will clamber across the ground, over shrubs or up trees to obtain light. Avoid using this attractive subtropical vine or liana outdoors in gardens. It may be used as a houseplant if contained.
Numerous regions regard the cape ivy as an invasive species that causes serious ecological and environmental disruption. It is a weed in California, Australia and the cooler inland parts of Hawaii.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
10 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
9 - 11
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Sunset Zone
H1, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Vine/Liana
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Sun Exposure
Partial Sun, Partial Shade
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Height
10'-25' / 3.0m - 7.6m
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Bloom Time
Fall, Late Fall, Early Winter, Winter, Late Winter
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Native To
South Africa
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
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Soil Drainage
Average
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Soil type
Loam, Sand
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Tolerances
Wet Site, Drought, Salt
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Growth Rate
Very Fast
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Water Requirements
Average Water
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Habit
Spreading
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Yellow
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Fruit Color
Sandy Brown, Ivory
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Dark Green
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Bark Color
Burgundy, Dark Salmon
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Fragrant Flowers
Yes
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
Yes
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Showy Fruit
Yes
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Glossy
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Bark Texture
Smooth
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
Yes
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Attracts
Butterflies
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Self-Sowing
Yes
