It may grow as a small shrub or as a high climbing vine with aerial rootlets on trees, fence rows and buildings (Figure 1).

Poison ivy is a woody perennial that belongs to the Cashew ( Anacardiaceae) family. Poison ivy ( Rhus radicans) leaf with three leaflets. Poison ivy vine ( Rhus radicans) with aerial rootlets on trees. Failure to do so can lead to severe allergic reactions.įigure 1. The American Medical Association estimates that in the United States poison ivy and Pacific poison oak ( Rhus diversiloba) cause more cases of contact dermatitis than all other plants and household and industrial chemicals combined.Įvery person who works outdoors with plants or participates in hiking, camping or other outdoor activities should be able to identify poison ivy. Chemicals (urushiols and others) found in special cannels of poison ivy and oak cause contact dermatitis (redness, rash, blisters, itching) on thousands of people each year. Poison oak ( Rhus toxicodendron), a related species that may actually be an ecotype of poison ivy, is also found in similar habitats. Its preferred habitat is moist, deciduous forests and wooded areas however, it is also found in pastures, fence rows, ornamental plantings and various types of noncropland areas. Poison ivy ( Rhus radicans) is a common poisonous plant in Georgia. Mark Czarnota, Ph.D., Ornamental Weed Control Specialist This publication is part of the Weed Wizard series.

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