Poison Ivy

Description:

Poison ivy is a poisonous North American plant that is well known for its production of urushiol, a clear liquid compound found within the sap of the plant that causes an itching rash in most people who touch it. The plant is not a true ivy. Has 3 leaves, Leaf colour ranges from light green (usually the younger leaves) to dark green (mature leaves), turning bright red in fall; though other sources say leaves are reddish when expanding, turn green through maturity, then back to red, orange, or yellow in the fall. The leaflets of mature leaves are somewhat shiny.

Habitat:

Poison ivy can be found growing in any of the following three forms: as a trailing vine that is 4 to 10 inches, as a shrub up to 4 feet tall, as a climbing vine that grows on trees or some other support.

Notes:

Do Not Touch!!! Fruits are a favorite winter food of some birds and other animals. Seeds are spread mainly by animals and remain viable after passing through the digestive tract.