English ivy is a botanical barbarian. The decision, which follows a seven-year campaign against the plant, won't exactly put it out of existence. But the designation is critical, because it can be followed by placement on the state's quarantine list.
Quarantined weeds are illegal to sell or import or move about.
Ivy's classification as a noxious weed makes available state money with which to research its eradication. The possibilities include germ warfare with a yet unidentified bacterial or fungal pathogen. English ivy joins 99 plants on a state list of botanical miscreants that includes Himalayan blackberry, Scotch thistle and poison hemlock. Ivy's dark green leaves and its aristocratic heritage may make it look regal and pretty, but don't be fooled. The creeper loves Oregon, where it has no natural enemies.