Poison ivy

Toxicodendron radicans

Anacardiaceae (Sumac family)


Description

Poison ivy exists as either a vine or a small shrub; as a vine it is found in areas of high moisture. Its leaves are compound and each has three leaflets, each leaflet has obviously lobed teeth. They are shiny and green above.

In summer, its flowers are greenish-white, clustered, fragrant, and inconspicuous. The fruit, after emerging in the fall will remain on the plant throughout winter. It grows in loose clumps, is small, round, and dirty white.

Poison ivy has good value for wildlife and is grazed by deer, while birds eat the berries.


Habitat

Poison ivy is found throughout North America as undergrowth in moist areas.


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