It never ceases to amaze me at this time of year just how much insect life can be found on flowers of Ivy. Although not a favourite of many gardeners, Ivy is one of the very few flowers that produce abundant nectar towards the end of the year. Although it can smother some trees, it does them no harm whatsoever. Juvenile Common Ivy plants have leaves with between 3 and 5 lobes, whilst the mature leaves are glossy and dark green, oval or heart-shaped. The juvenile plants cling to trees and other surfaces, holding on with adventitious roots that grow from the stem rather than in the soil. After around 10 years, the adult Ivy becomes shrubby and is covered with flowers in autumn followed by berries that ripen in the winter or spring. The flowers are small and spherical and not very exciting to look at, but they are of immense value to wildlife due to the nectar that is produced in the autumn. The small, round fruits are an important food source for many birds.
One of the main insects to benefit from this nectar is the Ivy Bee. This species was first spotted in England in 2001, finally reaching Leicestershire in 2018 where it is now well established. They are around the size of a Honey Bee, but are readily identified by their hairy, ginger thorax and abdomens with broad orange/yellow stripes. They are solitary bees with each female making her own nest hole in soft, sandy soil in south-facing lawns and cliff faces. Although each female has her own nest, they are often found in densely packed aggregations when nesting conditions are ideal. They are only found as adults in the autumn, when their main food source (ivy nectar) is abundant, and they rarely survive beyond November.
In addition, more than 50 insect species have been recorded on Ivy, including various bees, wasps, butterflies, moths, hoverflies, beetles and so many others – all essential to a healthy ecosystem in your garden. Holly Blue butterflies are closely associated with Ivy as the second generation of this species feed almost exclusively on ivy flowers. Other butterflies are rarer visitors to the plant, but this year has seen a remarkable number of Red Admirals on Ivy. The latest Big Butterfly Count, run by Butterfly Conservation, has reported a 400% increase in Red Admirals this year and there are still plenty around taking advantage of the nectar in the Ivy flowers.
Ivy is a versatile plant, growing happily in shade or sunlight and in virtually any soil type. Although they do not flower for several years, even the juvenile plants provide shelter for all sorts of insects. In addition to the nectar feeders mentioned above, birds can nest in the tangled stems of Ivy as well as bats and small mammals. Such a fine all-round habitat and autumn food source makes a welcome addition to any garden.
It never ceases to amaze me at this time of year just how much insect life can be found on flowers of Ivy. Although not a favourite of many gardeners, Ivy is one of the very few flowers that produce abundant nectar towards the end of the year. Although it can smother some trees, it does them no harm whatsoever. Juvenile Common Ivy plants have leaves with between 3 and 5 lobes, whilst the mature leaves are glossy and dark green, oval or heart-shaped. The juvenile plants cling to trees and other surfaces, holding on with adventitious roots that grow from the stem rather than in the soil. After around 10 years, the adult Ivy becomes shrubby and is covered with flowers in autumn followed by berries that ripen in the winter or spring. The flowers are small and spherical and not very exciting to look at, but they are of immense value to wildlife due to the nectar that is produced in the autumn. The small, round fruits are an important food source for many birds.
One of the main insects to benefit from this nectar is the Ivy Bee. This species was first spotted in England in 2001, finally reaching Leicestershire in 2018 where it is now well established. They are around the size of a Honey Bee, but are readily identified by their hairy, ginger thorax and abdomens with broad orange/yellow stripes. They are solitary bees with each female making her own nest hole in soft, sandy soil in south-facing lawns and cliff faces. Although each female has her own nest, they are often found in densely packed aggregations when nesting conditions are ideal. They are only found as adults in the autumn, when their main food source (ivy nectar) is abundant, and they rarely survive beyond November.
In addition, more than 50 insect species have been recorded on Ivy, including various bees, wasps, butterflies, moths, hoverflies, beetles and so many others – all essential to a healthy ecosystem in your garden. Holly Blue butterflies are closely associated with Ivy as the second generation of this species feed almost exclusively on ivy flowers. Other butterflies are rarer visitors to the plant, but this year has seen a remarkable number of Red Admirals on Ivy. The latest Big Butterfly Count, run by Butterfly Conservation, has reported a 400% increase in Red Admirals this year and there are still plenty around taking advantage of the nectar in the Ivy flowers.
Ivy is a versatile plant, growing happily in shade or sunlight and in virtually any soil type. Although they do not flower for several years, even the juvenile plants provide shelter for all sorts of insects. In addition to the nectar feeders mentioned above, birds can nest in the tangled stems of Ivy as well as bats and small mammals. Such a fine all-round habitat and autumn food source makes a welcome addition to any garden.