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Home > Weeds > Poison Ivy

Poison Ivy—Toxicondendron radicans

The rash associated with poison ivy is caused by the oil urushiol, which is found in all parts of the plant. Poison ivy grows as a vine or shrub and can be found in fields, pastures, woodlands, farms and yards.

poison ivy poison ivy leaves and berries poison ivy leaves
Woody perennial. Grows as an erect or trailing shrub or vine. Compound leaf with three 2-4 inch long pointed leaflets. Two opposite leaflets with larger middle leaflet. Leaves are glossy or dull green in summer; they may be hairy or smooth and lobed or toothed.
poison ivy flower poison ivy berries poison ivy leaves in fall
Yellow or green flowers in mid-summer. White berries in mid-summer. Leaves are red, orange and yellow in fall.

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[Photos, left to right: Charles T. Bryson, USDA Agricultural Research Service, Bugwood.org; Richard Old, XID Services, Inc., Bugwood.org; David J. Moorhead, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org; Ohio State Weed Lab Archive, The Ohio State University, Bugwood.org ; Catherine Herms, The Ohio State University, Bugwood.org; Paul Wray, Iowa State University, Bugwood.org; Steve Dewey, Utah State University, Bugwood.org.]

 
It is the policy of the State of Maine to minimize reliance on pesticides. The Maine Department of Agriculture and the Maine IPM Council encourage everyone to practice integrated pest management and to use pesticides only as a last resort. The mention of pesticides in the fact sheets linked to these pages does not imply an endorsement of any product. Be sure that any product used is currently registered and follow all label directions.