This widespread cyclamen species is widely cultivated and among the most hardy and vigorous in oceanic climates.

The species name hederifolium comes from the Latin hedera (ivy) and folium (leaf),[1] because of the shape and patterning of the leaves.

Cyclamen hederifolium is a tuberous perennial that blooms and sprouts leaves in autumn, grows through the winter, and goes dormant before summer, when the seed capsules ripen and open.

Depending on the specimen, leaf shape varies from heart-shaped to long and arrow-shaped, usually with 2-3 angled lobes on each side, resembling the juvenile leaves of ivy (Hedera).

Leaf color varies from all-green to all-silver, but the most common is a Christmas tree or hastate pattern in silver or pewter and various shades of green.

The petiole and flower stalks of Cyclamen hederifolium grow outwards and then up, forming an "elbow".

In oceanic climates, it self-seeds abundantly and will crowd out less vigorous species such as Cyclamen coum if the two are planted together.

In cold continental climates such as Calgary, Alberta, where Cyclamen purpurascens grows well, it may not survive.