Toxicodendron radicans
Copyright, James Manhart
Toxicodendron radicans
Copyright, James Manhart
Poison Ivy is one of the
best-known, and probably the most-hated, plant in Virginia.
Because most people are allergic
to its sap,
Poison Ivy can cause a nasty rash and blisters on the
skin. Poison Ivy is most easily
recognized by it's leaf pattern. Although it's color varies
with the seasons, it always has clusters of three
leaves. Some leaves are
smooth-edged and some are notched. Some are shiny, and some
are dull. In the Spring, leaves start out shiny and red.
This may help keep insects away. In the Summer, leaves are
usually green. In the Fall, leaves change colors with the
trees. They can turn yellow, orange, and red before they
drop off. www.poison-ivy.org Virginia Ducey, Institute
for Systematic Botany ,Department of Biology, University of
South Florida Copyright, Dan Tenaglia,
Missouriplants.com Poison Ivy can
grow in just about any environment. It is most
common, though, on edges. Edges of forests, edges
of roads, edges of streams and lakes, and edges of
lawns are where you will see huge amounts of Poison
Ivy. Poison Ivy can
grown in many ways also. It can creep along the
ground, growing new roots
as it spreads. It can grow as a vine, up tree
trunks or fenceposts. It can also grow as a
bush. Poison Ivy has
very tough roots, and once established, it is very
difficult to get rid of. www.poison-ivy.org www.poison-ivy.org www.poison-ivy.org Poison Ivy grows
flower clusters
up to three inches long, with yellowish-white or
greenish-white flowers. Flowers bloom from May to
July. The flowers will
give way to berry-like fruits
which are whitish-gray. These fruits are eaten by
many birds, raccoons, and other animals. Some birds, such
as the Northern Cardinal and American Goldfinch,
also use thread-like hairs from the Poison Ivy vine
to build their nests. Copyright, Dan Tenaglia,
Missouriplants.com
The rash that Poison Ivy causes with humans is from the sap, which has an oil called "urushoil" in it. Urushoil only comes out of the plant where it is damaged; however, Poison Ivy is very fragile and breaks easily. Wind, animals, or chewing insects can cause urushoil to be released.
When urushoil gets on your skin, your skin absorbs it slowly. Your skin will then have a reaction, resulting in a red rash with blisters. If urushoil gets on your dog or clothes, it can later transfer to you!
Not everybody is allergic to Poison Ivy, and some people are more allergic than others.
Copyright, James Manhart
Poison Ivy often grows
with certain plants. It will climb almost any tree,
especially American Sycamore, American Elm, Southern Red
Oak, Loblolly Pine, American Beech, and White
Oak. Poison Ivy grows with
other vines as well, such as Virginia Creeper and Japanese
Honeysuckle. These vines will grow on each other, as well as
the tree or shrub they are climbing. Poison Ivy is also a food
source for animals. White-tailed Deer, Muskrat, and Eastern
Cottontail eat the leaves and stems. Many birds, including
crows, bluebirds, and turkeys eat the fruit. Insects munch
on the leaves. Poison Ivy's foliage
(leaves and stems) provides shelter for small
animals. www.poison-ivy.org
Relationships in Nature:
Animals
Using as Food Source Animals
Using as Shelter Associations
With Other Plants Gray Catbird Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Purple Finch Dark-eyed Junco
Relationship to Humans:
Most people's interactions with Poison Ivy are negative. Poison Ivy rashes are very uncomortable, and can even be serious for people who are highly allergic. However, many consider Poison Ivy's foliage to be beautiful, especially in the fall. Some people plant Poison Ivy in their gardens or along forest edges to add color. Poison Ivy can also attract many songbirds and deer. Deer like Poison Ivy so much, it may keep them from eating other garden plants.