Poison Ivy
Toxicodendron radicans
Poison ivy is a woody vine or shrub with compound leaves that typically consist of three leaflets. The leaves are green in the summer and turn red or orange in the fall. The edges of the leaflets can be smooth, toothed, or lobed. It produces small, greenish-white flowers followed by yellowish-white berries.
Learn more about Poison Ivy in the encyclopedia →Care instructions
Poison ivy is generally considered a nuisance plant and is not cultivated. It can be difficult to eliminate due to its vigorous growth and ability to spread via seeds and rhizomes. Care should be taken to avoid contact with all parts of the plant as it contains urushiol, an oil that causes an allergic skin reaction in most people. Eradication often involves herbicides or careful physical removal while wearing protective clothing.