Home > Plant Encyclopedia > Species

Poison ivy
Add to My Garden

A species of Toxicodendron, Also known as Eastern poison ivy

Botanical name : Toxicodendron radicans Genus : Toxicodendron

Poison ivy, A species of Toxicodendron

Also known as:

Eastern poison ivy

Botanical name: Toxicodendron radicans

Genus: Toxicodendron

Add to My Garden

Content

Description People often ask General Info Care Guide for Poison ivy Toxic Plants

Description

In pop culture, poison ivy is a symbol of an obnoxious weed because, despite its unthreatening looks, it gives a highly unpleasant contact rash to the unfortunate person who touches it. Still, it is commonly eaten by many animals, and the seeds are a favorite with birds. The leaves turn bright red in fall. Its sister species, Western poison ivy (Toxicodendron rydbergii), is not considered to be invasive in the United States, but is noxious in Australia and New Zealand.

Plant Type

Shrub

Bloom Time

Spring, Summer

Flower Color

Green

White

Yellow

Leaf Color

Green

Yellow

Red

* Disclaimer: Content feedback CAN NOT be used as any basis for EATING ANY PLANTS. Some plants can be VERY POISONOUS, please purchase edible plants through regular channels.

People often ask

How do I get rid of poison ivy fast?

Is poison ivy dangerous?

Can poison ivy kill you?

Can a poison ivy rash spread?

How long does it take for poison ivy to stop spreading?

General Info

Name story

Climbing poison ivy||Poison ivy

Toxicodendron radicans is a wall-climbing master, having very strong climbing capabilities. It is frequently seen covering an entire wall, and sometimes even enveloping a whole house. In addition to climbing walls, it is also toxic, as a way to protect itself from touch. Touching the plant may cause dermatitis, so people call it Climbing poison ivy, or poison ivy for short.

Symbolism

Trouble, tread lightly in the natural world, discernment

Usages

Environmental Protection Value

Berries are a food source for many species of wildlife.

Garden Use

In some countries, poison ivy is considered an ornamental plant for its attractive leaves and climbing vines, but is very toxic. Poison ivy is a poisonous and weedy plant that is not recommended for growing in the garden. If this plant are found growing in your garden, remove it immediately with gloves to protect the skin.

Care Guide for Poison ivy

Water

Average water needs,watering when the top 3 cm of soil has dried out.

Propagation

Sowing

What part of poison ivy is poisonous?

All parts of poison ivy contain a toxic oil (urushiol) that causes skin irritation in most humans. This irritation is caused by an allergic reaction from either direct or indirect contact with the plant material, including contacting shoes or an animal that touched the plant. Even the smoke produced from burning the plant can cause a toxic reaction. Contact is most likely to occur accidentally, since this plant is very common in a wide range of environments, including forests, roadsides, clearings, etc. Symptoms may include severe blistering, itching, and inflammation that may be long-lasting.

Can ingestion of poison ivy be fatal to animals?

The toxic urushiol can be found in all parts of poison ivy, particularly in its sap. When an animal ingests this plant or comes into contact with the sap, symptoms of poisoning and allergic reactions can occur.

Toxicity

Poison ivy is one of the most medically problematic plants in temperate regions around the world. This plant contains urushiol, a compound that causes allergy in many people, and is found in every part of the plant. It is estimated that around 80% of people are allergic to urushiol. Please avoid touching it especially its toxic sap.

Symptoms of exposure usually include irritating, itchy rash on skin, that can be very painful in sensitive people. Washing the affected area with soap and cold water immediately after contact will help reduce severity of the rash.

This plant is not considered edible, so cases of poisoning due to ingestion are extremely rare, if non-existent.

Toxicity in Animals

Poison ivy is generally considered non-toxic to animals. However, it can cause skin irritation just like in humans, but luckily most animals have thick coats that protect their skin from urushiol. Poison ivy can cause mild gastrointestinal distress upon ingestion, but animals usually avoid eating this plant so cases of poisoning are rare.

If your pet comes into contact with poison ivy, it is usually a bigger threat to you than to your four-legged friend. If you pet it, the irritating oils might get on your skin. Wash your pet with water and mild soap to remove the oils from its coat.

How to Control it

First and foremost, it is advised to wear adequate protective gear when dealing with these plants, considering they produce allergenic oils on leaves and stems. This includes gardening gloves and protective clothing. Take the following steps to remove the unwanted poison ivy from your garden:

Cut the stems at the base and collect the vines;
Take a shovel and dig out the entire root of the plant;
Collect the plant material and dispose of it properly;
Thoroughly clean all tools used in the process, and wash your gloves and protective clothes.

It is not advised to burn this plant because volatile urushiol can seriously damage the lungs if inhaled.

How to identify?

Leaf Flower Fruit

Scientific Classification

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Maples, mangos, mahogany, citrus, and allies

Family

Cashew

Genus

Toxicodendron

Species

Poison ivy

Botanist in your pocket

Scan QR code to download

Cookie Name	Source	Purpose	Lifespan
_ga	Google Analytics	These cookies are set because of our use of Google Analytics. They are used to collect information about your use of our application/website. The cookies collect specific information, such as your IP address, data related to your device and other information about your use of the application/website. Please note that the data processing is essentially carried out by Google LLC and Google may use your data collected by the cookies for own purposes, e.g. profiling and will combine it with other data such as your Google Account. For more information about how Google processes your data and Google’s approach to privacy as well as implemented safeguards for your data, please see here.	1 Year
_pta	PictureThis Analytics	We use these cookies to collect information about how you use our site, monitor site performance, and improve our site performance, our services, and your experience.	1 Year

Cookie Name	Source	Purpose	Lifespan
_fbp	Facebook Pixel	A conversion pixel tracking that we use for retargeting campaigns. Learn more here.	1 Year
_adj	Adjust	This cookie provides mobile analytics and attribution services that enable us to measure and analyze the effectiveness of marketing campaigns, certain events and actions within the Application. Learn more here.	1 Year

Poison ivy Add to My Garden

A species of Toxicodendron, Also known as Eastern poison ivy Botanical name : Toxicodendron radicans Genus : Toxicodendron