Poison Ivy – Toxicodendron radicans
(Anacardiaceae)
Poison ivy is a climbing or scandent, woody vine that bears abundant aerial roots and three-parted compound foliage along its stems. Pale green-white flower clusters open in leaf axils in mid-summer and develop into dense clumps of dull white berries in autumn. The entire plant, especially the foliage, produces an oil, called urushiol, known to cause an allergic skin rash (urushiol-induced contact dermatitis) in humans. Care should be taken when observing this plant in any situation.
Poison ivy is a valuable species in natural communities providing cover and food for wildlife. Though abhorred by most humans, poison ivy can be quite attractive, especially when the glossy green of the foliage yields to yellow, bright orange, and scarlet in the autumn.
Poison ivy is native to the eastern United States and Canada growing in open woods and disturbed sites from Nova Scotia to Florida and west to Minnesota and Texas.
Note: BNAN does not promote or encourage the cultivation of poison ivy in any setting.
Native Plant Spotlight
Eastern Red Cedar
Winterberry
Sweetfern
Northern Catalpa
Fothergilla
Eastern Prickly Pear
Franklinia
Poison Ivy
Twin Leaf
Mayapple
Marsh Marigold
Alternate-leaved Dogwood
Beach Pea
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