Fauna
Plant

Eastern Poison Ivy

Toxicodendron radicans

Also known as Poison Ivy, Markweed, Poison Vine, Climbing Poison Ivy

Eastern poison ivy thrives along forest edges and disturbed roadsides, growing as a trailing ground cover, dense shrub, or hairy climbing vine. Its compound leaves with three leaflets turn brilliant shades of red and orange in autumn, producing small waxy white berries that provide crucial winter energy for songbirds. Every part of the plant produces urushiol, a resilient oil that binds quickly to skin and causes severe allergic reactions in humans.

PerennialWoody VineIrritant
Eastern Poison Ivy reference1 / 7
(c) Sam Fraser-Smith, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyAutotrophic (Photosynthetic)
Predators
  • White-tailed Deer
  • Insects
  • Fungi
ThreatsLand development and vegetation clearance
HabitatsDeciduous forests, wood margins, riverbanks, roadsides, disturbed ground
Life spanIndefinite (Perennial)
Classification
  1. OrderSapindales
  2. FamilyAnacardiaceae
  3. GenusToxicodendron
  4. SpeciesToxicodendron radicans
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskHigh
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is high
Urushiol oil causes severe contact dermatitis; wild berries have toxic look-alikes and must never be eaten.
Why it is dangerous
Produces urushiol oil, causing severe contact dermatitis, blistering, and intense itching upon skin contact or systemic distress if ingested.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Look for compound leaves with three leaflets, hairy trailing or climbing vines, and small pale berries.
What to do
Do not touch any part of the plant or burn brush containing it, as inhaled smoke causes severe internal damage.
Responsible observation
  • Identification: Remember the classic rule leaves of three, let it be to avoid contact.
  • Safety Precaution: Wear long pants and closed-toe shoes when hiking off cleared trails.
  • Decontamination: Wash exposed skin with cold water and detergent within 30 minutes.
Related species
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