"Safe" ivy? (growing, city, Boston, Charleston)

[StarryEyedSurprise]

Is there a type of ivy that is "safe" to allow to grow on brick?

I live just outside of Charleston, SC, and whenever I walk through the historic districtcs, I always see ivy growing on brick walls, even on the vertical part of house steps. I've ben told by someone who did the carriage tour of the city that apparently this ivy is safe for brick, and will not harm your house.

Any idea what they could be referring to?

[DLK55]

English Ivy has tendrils that will penetrate through cracks and gaps in the mortar between bricks and can damage it over time. If I recall correctly, Boston Ivy is considered the "safer" one as it attaches to the surface rather than growing through cracks.

[paperhouse]

Boston Ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata) is related to Virginia Creeper and really isn't an ivy at all. But it does cling to brick and siding and does far less damage than English Ivy (Hedera helix).

[StarryEyedSurprise]

Thanks for the replies! I've been doing some research on it, and determined that Creeping Figwas the particular vine I saw. However, people either claim it is harmless, or dangerous.

Do you happen to know how safe it is versus Boston Ivy? I'm looking for something that would survive in the Charleston, SC area - I have a trellis right near my side garage, just think it would look lovely with something growing on it (preferably something that will stay green year round down here, which doesn't seem too impossible).

[Cliffie]

Originally Posted by StarryEyedSurprise

Is there a type of ivy that is "safe" to allow to grow on brick?

I live just outside of Charleston, SC, and whenever I walk through the historic districtcs, I always see ivy growing on brick walls, even on the vertical part of house steps. I've ben told by someone who did the carriage tour of the city that apparently this ivy is safe for brick, and will not harm your house.

Any idea what they could be referring to?

Ordinary English ivy is perfectly safe for brick.