Poison Plants
Because urushiol is found in all parts of the poison ivy plant -- the leaves, stems, and roots -- it's best to avoid the plant entirely to prevent a rash. The trouble is, poison ivy grows almost everywhere in the United States (with the exception of the Southwest, Alaska, and Hawaii), so geography won't help you. The general rule to identify poison ivy, "leaflets three, let it be," doesn't always apply. Poison ivy usually does grow in groups of three leaves, with a longer middle leaf -- but it can also grow with up to nine leaves in a group.
 Photo courtesy Jon Sachs, poison-ivy.org The leaves of the poison ivy plant turn red and yellow for fall. |
Here are some other ways to identify the poison ivy plant:
- It generally grows in a cluster of low, weed-like plants or a woody vine which can climb trees or fences.
- It is most often found in moist areas, such as riverbanks, woods, and pastures.
- The edges of the leaves are generally smooth or have tiny "teeth." Their color changes based on the season -- reddish in the spring; green in the summer; and yellow, orange, or red in the fall.
- Its berries are typically white.
Poison ivy's cousins, poison oak and poison sumac, each have their own unique appearance.
 Photo courtesy Jon Sachs, poison-ivy.org Poison sumac |
Poison sumac mainly grows in moist, swampy areas in the Northeast, Midwest, and along the Mississippi River. It is a woody shrub made up of stems with rows of seven to thirteen smooth-edged leaflets.
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