Variable leaves consist of three leaflets. Climbing stems bear aerial rootlets, and small greenish flowers develop into pale fruits. Avoid contact: all parts contain urushiol. Never burn this plant.
Poison Ivy field photographs. Select the photo to open the slideshow.
Family: Anacardiaceae
Growth: Woody vine or shrub
Bloom: Late spring–early summer
Habitat: Woodlands, edges, thickets, and disturbed sites
Other common names
Poison Ivy · Eastern Poison Ivy
Bloom timing varies with location and growing conditions. Source: NC State Extension.
Explore photographed sightings and their locations.
Habitat
Woodlands, edges, thickets, and disturbed sites
Bloom period
Late spring–early summer
Observations show reported sightings; they do not define the plant’s complete native range.
Study the photographs and field notes for Poison Ivy, then practice identifying this and other wildflowers in the quiz.
Field photographs: Where’s Wildlife.
NC State Extension — identification and range
iNaturalist — Poison Ivy observations
