Poison ivy

Description:

This 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, irritation and sometimes painful rash in most people who touch it. The plant is not a true ivy. Poison ivy can be found growing in any of the following forms: as a trailing vine that is 10–25 cm (3.9–9.8 in) tall; as a shrub up to 1.2 m (3 ft 11 in) tall; as a climbing vine that grows on trees or some other support. The berry-like fruit, a drupe, mature by August to November with a grayish-white color. 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.

Habitat:

Riverside

Notes:

I am very glad that I am not allergic to it as I used to just pull it up with my bare hands before I could recognize it. Various mnemonic rhymes describe the characteristic appearance of poison ivy: 1."Leaflets three; let it be." 2."Hairy vine, no friend of mine." 3."Longer middle stem; stay away from them." 4."Raggy rope, don't be a dope!" 5."One, two, three? Don't touch me." 6."Berries white, run in fright" and "Berries white, danger in sight." 7."Red leaflets in the spring, it's a dangerous thing." 8."Side leaflets like mittens, will itch like the dickens." 9."If it's got hair, it won't be fair."