English Ivy Monoculture in Decatur, Georgia
Photo of English Ivy (Hedera helix)
This open woodland in Decatur, Georgia, is completely overrun with english ivy (Hedera helix), which not only forms a monoculture over the entire ground, but also covers most of the tree trunks. English ivy is particularly pernicious as an invasive as its seeds are spread by birds and its seedlings are shade-tolerant and able to establish under other vegetation, so it is not limited to vegetative spread. Most infestations originate in landscaping where it is widely used as a groundcover; note the homes in the background. Ivy is often most dominant in small woodland fragments in urban and suburban areas.
