Poison Ivy & Oak Identifier

"Leaves of three, let it be." Poison ivy is notorious for its compound leaves, always grouped in three leaflets. It can grow as a low-spreading shrub or a climbing vine, often with hairy-looking aerial roots clinging to trees or structures.

• Growth: Found as a vine (climbing or trailing) or a small shrub. Vines often have "hairy" aerial roots.
• Leaves: Three leaflets per stem. Leaflets are typically broad, tear-shaped, and can have smooth, notched, or slightly toothed edges. They often appear shiny due to the urushiol oil.
• Color: New leaves in spring may have a reddish tinge. They turn dull green in summer and vibrant red, orange, or purple in the fall.
• Berries: Produces small, waxy, white or yellowish berries in clusters, especially in late summer/fall.
• Habitat: Common in woodlands, fields, gardens, and along roadsides across most of North America (except Alaska and Hawaii).

Poison oak also follows the "leaves of three" rule, but its leaflets are distinctly lobed, resembling oak tree leaves. It primarily grows as a shrub and often has a fuzzy texture on its leaves.

• Growth: Typically grows as an upright shrub, though some varieties can be vine-like.
• Leaves: Three leaflets per stem, with a shape similar to oak leaves (lobed or rounded edges). Often described as having a fuzzy or hairy texture on both sides.
• Color: Green in summer, turning yellow and red/russet in fall.
• Berries: Produces small, waxy, light tan or yellowish-white berries in clusters.
• Habitat: More common in the western United States, but also found in parts of the eastern and southern US. Prefers drier, sunny locations.