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ES Poison Ivy - The Chameleon of Plants

Poison Ivy, Toxicodendron radicans, has many leaflet forms. Sometimes the edges will be almostsmooth (Photo 1), but there can be few (Photo 2) or many edge serrations (Photo 3).

The defining characteristics, however, are common in all versions:

¾ Compound leaves with three leaflets

¾ Symmetrical center leaflet serrations

¾ Larger serrations at the bottom sides of the two lower leaflets than on their upper sides

¾ Upper leaflet stalk is longer than stalks on the two lower leaflets

The vines can vary in color from green to red. Greyish white berries can be found on the plants and birds eat theseberries without any problems. Humans, however, can be extremely sensitive to urushiol, the oil in the plant.

Professionals should remove this plant, but if you choose toremove it, we recommend first spraying with a systemic plantkiller, such as Brush-B-Gon. After it dies back, wear protective clothing and gloves, and place the plants in sealedplastic bags for disposal - urushiol is still present. Discardthe gloves and wash remaining clothes, using a hot watercycle. Urushiol remains wherever located for a long time,i.e., for several years. Never burn this plant - the oil isin the smoke.

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