Common names: poison ivy, common poison ivy

Scientific names: Toxicodendron radicans (Rhus radicans, R. verrucosa, T. eximium, T. negundo)

Seasons of significant use: spring, summer, fall, winter (for Rhus spp.- T. radicans complex)

Characteristics: Native, perennial shrub or high-climbing woody vine. Vines with aerial rootlets. Leaves deciduous, alternate, trifoliolate compound; leaflets 3, variously margined, but usually lobed or denate, lateral leaflets often inequilateral (suggesting an outstretched hand with thumbs pointed out); plant is polygamous; inflorescences in lateral or axillary panicles; flowers small, greenish-white; fruit is a 1-seeded drupe, subglobose, white to yellow to tan colored at maturity, matures August-September. Flowers April-May.

Plant community type: Found in uplands and bottomlands, in wooded and open areas. Often found in fencerows and at the edge of wooded areas.

More Plant Photos and Descriptions:
Appendix C: Plants by Common Name
Appendix C: Plants by Scientific Name
Appendix C: Plants Listed by Family