SafePlants

Cape Ivy: An Overview

Cape Ivy, scientifically known as Delairea odorata, is a perennial vine recognized for its invasive nature in various regions outside its native habitat. It is also commonly referred to as German Ivy, although it is distinct from true English Ivy.

Considerations for Pets

• The plant has fleshy leaves.
• It is a vine with twining stems, which may be attractive to some pets.

Considerations for Children

• The plant has fleshy leaves.
• It is a vine with twining stems, which may be attractive to some children.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Delairea odorata Lem.
• Family: Asteraceae (also known as Compositae), the sunflower family.
• Synonyms: Formerly included in the genus Senecio as Senecio mikanioides. Other synonyms include capeivy, cape ivy, German ivy, and Italian ivy. Another botanical name mentioned is Senecio angulatus, though it's listed separately.
• Taxonomic Rank: Magnoliopsida (Dicot), Asterales.

Distribution and Habitat

• Native Range: Southern Africa.
• Invasive Range: Primarily along the coast of California and Oregon. Also invasive in Hawaii and New Zealand.
• Habitat: Commonly found in riparian corridors and seasonal wetlands, particularly in coastal California and southern Oregon.

Ecological Role

• Cape Ivy is considered a noxious weed in several regions.
• It is listed as an A-1 invasive plant (most invasive wildland pest plant) in California.
• It is an aggressive smothering vine that can negatively impact native plants and wildlife species due to its rapid and dense growth.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• A non-woody perennial vine with thin, slightly fleshy, glossy leaves.
• Leaves are typically five- to six-pointed, usually with two small stipule-like lobes, and are arranged with one leaf at each node. The leaves are described as broadly deltate to "ivy-shaped" with 5-7 shallow lobes.
• Stems are succulent and twining.
• Flowers are yellow and daisy-like but lack conspicuous petals. They are fragrant when in bloom or crushed.
• Regenerates easily, primarily spreading vegetatively through stem fragments rooting at nodes.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Cape Ivy is known to smother nearby vegetation, impacting native plants and wildlife habitats.
• It is considered a threat in areas like the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

Quirky Facts

• Despite its invasive nature, the species name "odorata" refers to its sweet fragrance when flowering or when the leaves are crushed.
• While Cape Ivy is in the sunflower family (Asteraceae) and related to daisies, it is not related to English Ivy, which it superficially resembles.
• Plants can produce more than 40,000 seeds per year, contributing to its rapid spread.

Further Information

• CalPhotos: Provides images of Delairea odorata.
• Dave's Garden: A community platform for sharing gardening tips and ideas.
• Plants of Hawaii: Images and information for Delairea odorata.
• USDA: Has a symbol for the plant (DEOD).