eastern poison ivy
ExplorePlants
eastern poison ivy
Toxicodendron radicans
Eastern poison ivy is a plant that can make your skin itchy if you touch it. It has shiny green leaves that grow in groups of three. Be careful around this plant when you're exploring nature!
Habitat: Forests
Appearance
The eastern poison ivy has leaves grouped in three leaflets, which can be glossy green, sometimes notched or lobed, and turn brilliant red or orange in fall. It grows as a low-lying plant, a dense shrub, or a climbing vine using hairy aerial roots to cling to surfaces. Its small greenish-white flowers are inconspicuous.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderSapindalesFamilyAnacardiaceaeGenusToxicodendron
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
4/5 · High
Snaps
99
Interesting facts
Even smoke from burning poison ivy can cause a severe rash if you breathe it into your lungs!
Its 'leaves of three' rule can be tricky, as leaflet shapes can look quite different!
Many animals, including deer and goats, can eat poison ivy without getting a rash!
Urushiol oil can stay active on objects for years, causing a rash long after touching the plant!
Special abilities
Ability
Irritant Shield
Eastern poison ivy has a unique oily resin, urushiol, that helps it defend against many herbivores by causing an irritating rash.
Ability
Versatile Climber
This plant can grow as a groundcover or climb tall trees and walls using specialized aerial roots, helping it reach sunlight.
Ability
Adaptable Survivor
Eastern poison ivy can thrive in many environments, from dense shade to full sun, helping it survive in diverse habitats.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 10-100 cm
- Spread
- 30-150 cm
- Flower Size
- 0.2-0.5 cm
- Bloom Season
- Late spring to early summer
- Edible
- No
- Toxicity
- High
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
Traits
Deciduous
Deciduous plants periodically shed all their leaves, typically during autumn or dry seasons.
Shrub
A shrub is a woody plant smaller than a tree, typically with multiple stems branching from or near the ground.
Fall Color
Fall color refers to the seasonal change in foliage pigmentation, primarily in deciduous plants, displaying vibrant hues.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Toxic
Toxic organisms contain substances that are poisonous and can cause adverse effects upon exposure.
Poisonous
Poisonous organisms produce toxins that can cause harm when ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through contact.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
4/5 · High
If you see a plant with three leaves, don't touch it! Always tell an adult if you find it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify eastern poison ivy?
The easiest way to identify eastern poison ivy is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How tall is eastern poison ivy?
10-100 cm
How wide does eastern poison ivy spread?
30-150 cm
How big are the flowers on eastern poison ivy?
0.2-0.5 cm
When does eastern poison ivy bloom?
Late spring to early summer
Is eastern poison ivy edible?
No
Is eastern poison ivy toxic?
High
What is eastern poison ivy's lifecycle?
Perennial
Snap Map
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Recent Snaps
Jun 20, 2026
Cleveland Parki
Photo attribution
(c) Martin Kalfatovic, some rights reserved (CC BY)
License: CC BY 4.0 ↗
Image may be shown cropped inside the card frame.
Jun 20, 2026
Cleveland Parki
Photo attribution
(c) Martin Kalfatovic, some rights reserved (CC BY)
License: CC BY 4.0 ↗
Image may be shown cropped inside the card frame.
Jun 7, 2026
East Windsor Hill Historic Districti
Photo attribution
(c) Mark Apgar, some rights reserved (CC BY)
License: CC BY 4.0 ↗
Image may be shown cropped inside the card frame.
Jun 6, 2026
East Windsor Hill Historic Districti
Photo attribution
(c) Mark Apgar, some rights reserved (CC BY)
License: CC BY 4.0 ↗
Image may be shown cropped inside the card frame.
Jun 6, 2026
East Windsor Hill Historic Districti
Photo attribution
(c) Mark Apgar, some rights reserved (CC BY)
License: CC BY 4.0 ↗
Image may be shown cropped inside the card frame.
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