western poison ivy
ExplorePlants
western poison ivy
Toxicodendron rydbergii
Western poison ivy is a plant that can grow as a vine or a small shrub. It has shiny green leaves that can turn red in the fall. Be careful, as touching it can make your skin itchy!
Habitat: Forests
Appearance
The western poison ivy typically grows as a low shrub or groundcover, but can also be a climbing vine. It has shiny green leaves arranged in sets of three leaflets, which turn brilliant red or orange in fall. Small, whitish berries are produced in clusters.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderSapindalesFamilyAnacardiaceaeGenusToxicodendron
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
4/5 · High
Snaps
10
Interesting facts
Burning poison ivy can send its oily smoke into your lungs, causing internal rashes!
The rash from poison ivy isn't contagious, it's an allergic reaction to the oil!
The sticky oil can stay active on tools, clothes, and pets for many years!
This plant is surprisingly related to tasty cashews and sweet mangoes!
Special abilities
Ability
Defense Oil
Western poison ivy has a special oil called urushiol that helps it defend against animals that might try to eat its leaves.
Ability
Shape-Shifter Growth
Western poison ivy can grow as a low plant, a shrub, or a climbing vine, helping it survive in many places.
Ability
Birdy Snacks
Western poison ivy produces white berries that birds safely eat, helping spread its seeds far and wide.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 20-100 cm
- Spread
- 50-300 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
eaten by
Mule Deer
Odocoileus hemionus
Safely browses its leaves.
eaten by
American Robin
Turdus migratorius
Eats its white berries.
pollinates
European Honey Bee
Apis mellifera
Collects nectar from its flowers.
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
Poison Ivy
Collections
Safety
Danger
4/5 · High
Do not touch poison ivy, as it can make your skin itchy and uncomfortable.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify western poison ivy?
The easiest way to identify western poison ivy is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How tall is western poison ivy?
20-100 cm
How wide does western poison ivy spread?
50-300 cm
How big are the flowers on western poison ivy?
0.2-0.5 cm
When does western poison ivy bloom?
Late spring to early summer
Is western poison ivy edible?
No
Is western poison ivy toxic?
High
What is western poison ivy's lifecycle?
Perennial
Snap Map
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Recent Snaps
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