English Ivy can cause irritation or illness if chewed or swallowed. Keep it out of reach of pets and small children.
Irritant: Triterpenoid saponins and polyacetylene compounds
Severity: moderate
Symptoms: Contact with plant cell sap causes severe skin irritation with redness, itching, and blisters. Ingestion of berries causes burning sensation in the throat.
The Full Picture
English Ivy attaches itself to walls using tiny aerial rootlets. It can damage painted or crumbling brickwork, so trellises are recommended.