Kenilworth ivy (Cymbalaria muralis, Oekon. Fl. Wetterau 2: 397 (1800))

Family: Plantaginaceae

Author: G.Gaertn., B.Mey. & Schreb.

Bibliography: Oekon. Fl. Wetterau 2: 397 (1800)

Year: 1800

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Cymbalaria

Vegetable: False

Observations: S. Alps, C. & S. Italy, NW. Balkan Pen.

Description

Kenilworth ivy, known by its scientific name Cymbalaria muralis, is a charming and resilient species belonging to the Plantaginaceae family. First documented in the literature “Oekon. Fl. Wetterau 2: 397” back in 1800 by G. Gaertn., B. Mey., and Schreb., Kenilworth ivy has intrigued botanists and plant enthusiasts for centuries.

This versatile plant is native to various regions, including the Southern Alps, Central and Southern Italy, and the Northwestern Balkan Peninsula. Its natural habitats generally encompass rocky outcrops and old walls, where it often forms delicate cascades of verdant foliage and dainty flowers.

Kenilworth ivy is renowned for its trailing, vine-like growth pattern, making it an excellent choice for adorning stone walls, hanging baskets, and rock gardens. The leaves are small, rounded, and slightly scalloped, adding a soft green texture to the landscapes it inhabits. During the blooming season, it produces petite, yet striking, flowers that range from violet-blue to pale purple. These blossoms not only add a splash of color but also attract pollinators, contributing positively to the local ecosystem.

Cymbalaria muralis thrives best in temperate climates, preferring partial shade to full sun and well-drained soil. It is relatively low-maintenance and can quickly establish itself, making it an excellent option for gardeners seeking a charming and enduring ground cover. Furthermore, its ability to flourish in crevices and walls where few other plants can makes it a unique and invaluable addition to any plant collection.

Kenilworth ivy’s resilience, coupled with its delicate beauty, ensures that it remains a beloved plant among both novice and experienced gardeners. Whether used to soften the harsh lines of urban constructions or to enhance the natural splendor of a garden, Cymbalaria muralis offers a perfect balance of hardiness and aesthetic appeal.

Common Names

Eng: kenilworth ivy, ivy-leaved toadflax, coliseum ivy
Deu: mauer-zymbelkraut, zymbelkraut
Dan: vedbend-torskemund, vedbendbladet torskemund
Fra: cymbalaire
Nld: muurleeuwenbek
Swe: murreva, murgrönssporreblomma, vanlig murreva
Cym: llin y fagwyr, mam miloedd, trwyn y llo eiddewddail, trwyn-y-llo dail eiddew
En: Kenilworth ivy, Ivy-leaved Toadflax, Coliseum ivy, Climbing Sailor, Ivywort, Mother-of-millions
Ca: Picardia
Cs: Zvěšinec zední
Da: Vedbend-torskemund, Vedbendbladet torskemund
Nl: Muurleeuwenbek, Muurleeuwbek
Fr: Cymbalaire, Cymbalaire des murs, Linaire cymbalaire, Linaire des murs, Ruine-de-Rome, Ruine de Rome
De: Mauer-Zymbelkraut, Zymbelkraut, Mauer-Zimbelkraut
He: צלצל החומות
It: Cimbalaria, Ciombolino comune
Sk: Cimbalok múrový
Es: Palomilla de muro
Sv: Murreva, Murgrönssporreblomma, Vanlig murreva
Cy: Llin y Fagwyr, Mam Miloedd, Trwyn y Llo Eiddewddail, Trwyn-y-Llo Dail Eiddew

Synonyms

• Cymbalaria cymbalaria ((L.) Wettst.)
• Cymbalaria hederacea (Gray)
• Antirrhinum hederifolium (Salisb.)
• Antirrhinum hederaceum (Lam.)
• Tursitis cymbalaria ((L.) Raf.)
• Antirrhinum muralis ((G.Gaertn., B.Mey. & Scherb.) Pers.)
• Linaria cymbalaria ((L.) Mill.)

Distribution

• Austria (native)
• France (native)
• Italy (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Albania (introduced)
• Algeria (introduced)
• Argentina Northeast (introduced)
• Argentina Northwest (introduced)
• Arkansas (introduced)
• Azores (introduced)
• Baleares (introduced)
• Baltic States (introduced)
• Belgium (introduced)
• Bermuda (introduced)
• Bolivia (introduced)
• Brazil South (introduced)
• Brazil Southeast (introduced)
• British Columbia (introduced)
• Bulgaria (introduced)
• California (introduced)
• Canary Is. (introduced)
• Cape Provinces (introduced)
• Cape Verde (introduced)
• Chile Central (introduced)
• Colombia (introduced)
• Colorado (introduced)
• Connecticut (introduced)
• Corse (introduced)
• Costa Rica (introduced)
• Czechoslovakia (introduced)
• Delaware (introduced)
• Denmark (introduced)
• East Himalaya (introduced)
• Ecuador (introduced)
• Germany (introduced)
• Great Britain (introduced)
• Greece (introduced)
• Guatemala (introduced)
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• Illinois (introduced)
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• Ireland (introduced)
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• Krym (introduced)
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• Michigan (introduced)
• Missouri (introduced)
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• New Zealand North (introduced)
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• Uruguay (introduced)
• Vermont (introduced)
• Virginia (introduced)
• Washington (introduced)
• West Virginia (introduced)
• Wisconsin (introduced)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Leaf

Taken Nov 1, 2017 by Cruz Fer (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 28, 2019 by Carole England (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 13, 2021 by G Bart (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 13, 2022 by F Beran (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 6, 2021 by Alejandra Ramírez (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Feb 19, 2019 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 1, 2017 by Cruz Fer (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 19, 2019 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 19, 2019 by Xavier LAGURGUE (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 16, 2017 by Sarah Dechamps (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Aug 12, 2021 by Jardins de Montchat (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 13, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 29, 2021 by Jean-Marie Frenoux (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 10, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 26, 2021 by Denis Bastianelli (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Apr 24, 2021 by Laurent Leguay (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 8, 2019 by louis redaud (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 5, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 2, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 13, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Apr 16, 2021 by christ (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 3, 2021 by Pierre LEON (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 26, 2022 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 10, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 10, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Mar 27, 2022 by Coquelicok (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 8, 2021 by Jacques Zuber (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 4, 2019 by Sophia GB (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 8, 2020 by Jorge Blacksheep (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 10, 2021 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/8200663)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:325773-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Cymbalaria muralis P.Gaertn., B.Mey. & Scherb.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth

Ph maximum: 8.0

Ph minimum: 7.5

Light: 5

Atmospheric humidity: 6

Bloom months: [‘may’, ‘jun’, ‘jul’, ‘aug’, ‘sep’, ‘oct’]

Soil nutriments: 6