How to Tell Poison Ivy from Poison Oak
Poison Ivy and Poison Oak are both dangerous plants and can be difficult to tell apart. However, if you know what to look for, differentiating the two is possible. Here's what you should look for to tell poison ivy from poison oak.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Challenging
Instructions
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1
Know in what parts of North America both Poison Ivy and Poison Oak grow. Poison Oak grows in both eastern North America (from Texas to New Jersey) and in western North America, commonly on the Pacific coast. Poison Oak is more common in the west than in the east. You'll find poison Ivy primarily throughout eastern North America.
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2
Observe the ways Poison Ivy and Poison Oak grow. Look for Poison Ivy in various forms, such as shrubs, vines and ground cover. Poison Oak, in the east, is often a small shrub. Poison Oak, in the west, is often large vines or very tall bushes.
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3
Differentiate between the leaves of Poison Ivy and Poison Oak. The leaves of Poison Ivy are compound leaves made up of three smaller leaves, ranging from 5 to 10 cm in length. The center leaf is the longest of the three. The leaves are usually dark green and waxy. They can also be glossy in appearance. The bottoms of the leaves are a lighter green and are fuzzy. The shapes of the leaves can be slightly variable. The leaves of Poison Oak also grow in clusters of three. The leaves are also green, turning red or yellow in the fall. The leaves resemble the leaves of Oak trees.
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4
Look at the berries of both Poison Ivy and Poison Oak. Poison Ivy plants have berries that are whitish in color and have a waxy appearance. Poison Oak plants have berries that are in clusters, are yellow in color and are usually somewhat hairy.
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5
Take note of the flowers of both the Poison Ivy and Poison Oak plants. Poison Ivy has clusters of flowers that are yellow to white in color. The flowers appear from May to June. Poison Oak has flowers that are white in color as well. However, they appear from August to November.
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Tips & Warnings
A common rule is "Leaves of three, let it be."
Never touch any poisonous plant, including Poison Ivy and Poison Oak.
