Pollinating insects flock to plants gardeners might think of as ‘weeds’

A red admiral butterfly on ivy. Common ivy’s autumn blooms were the most visited, the survey found. Photograph: see caption

Ubiquitous urban plants often derided as “weeds” are the most attractive to pollinating insects.

The autumn blooms of common ivy, rich in pollen and nectar, are the most visited by insects including bees and butterflies, according to an eight-year study.