Poison ivy

September 4, 2015

Toxicodendron radicans (L.) Ktze.

Life cycle

Perennial woody vine.

poison ivy plant
Poison ivy foliage.

Leaves

Alternate, compound with three shiny leaflets. Leaflet margins may be smooth, toothed or lobed. The side leaflets occur on very short stalks; the middle leaflet occurs on a much longer stalk. Leaves may turn bright red in the fall. Contact with any part of this plant can cause a reaction in sensitive people.

poison ivy leaf
Compound leaf of poison ivy.

Stems

Shrubby or climbing, woody vines are supported by aerial roots.

poison ivy aerial root
Poison ivy stem.

Flowers and fruit

Small, inconspicuous, yellow to green flowers have five petals. Fruit are gray to white berries (drupes).

poison ivy flower
Poison ivy flower.

Reproduction

Seeds, creeping roots and stems, which may root if in contact with the ground.

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