How to Identify Poison Ivy

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By wendyr
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Poison Ivy

Most people have heard of poison ivy and that itchy rash you get from it. But can you accurately identify it? Does it have three leaves? Are the leaf edges jagged or smooth? Shiny or dull? Green or red? Learn how to identify poison ivy so you can avoid it when you are out on walks along the roads, trails, yards, or in the woods.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Poison Ivy Leaves

Poison ivy is a three leaf plant that likes to grow in disturbed dirt, such as along the roadside. Poison ivy gives most people an itchy blistery rash on their skin. The leaves are green or reddish and often have a shiny appearance. The leaves grow in sets of threes. Poison ivy can climb like a vine or can be bushy. The color changes throughout the year from red to green to reddish again. Some leaf edges are jagged and others are smooth. The newer leaves will be shinier than older leaves.
Step 2

Poison Ivy Climbing Tree

Since poison ivy can look different at different times of the year, the easiest way to identify it is practice by looking for it where it is likely to grow. Drive slowly or walk along roads and look for three leaf plants growing along the edges of the road, especially near a stone wall or climbing up a tree or as telephone pole. You will likely find poison ivy in disturbed dirt areas, along edges of yards, streets, etc.
Step 3

Poison Ivy Smaller Reddish Leaves

Check out the website www.poison-ivy.org for more information. They have everything about poison ivy including many pictures of the rash that people get from touching it.