American Ivy Interactions Overview

Parthenocissus quinquefolia, commonly known as American ivy, Virginia creeper, or five-leaved ivy, is a climbing shrub native to North America and cultivated worldwide. It is most often used for its ornamental appeal. Its bark is used in medicine and contains constituents such as terpenoids, flavonoids, saponins, and cardiac glycosides. While sometimes used for digestive disorders and to stimulate sweating, there is no strong evidence to support these uses. The berries of American ivy, which contain 2% oxalic acid, are considered poisonous. It is important to note that American ivy is different from English ivy, or Hedera helix, which is more commonly used in over-the-counter supplements and medicine, mostly for its respiratory effects.