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Integrated Crop Management
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Poison ivy

Poison ivy - Toxicondendron radicans (L.) Kuntze

Family: Anacardiaceae (Cashew family)

Life cycle: Perennial
Native status: Native to North America
Habitat: Edges of woodlands, field borders

General description: Woody vine; frequently climbs trees. Leaves have three leaflets with irregular lobes.

Key ID traits: Leaves have three leaflets with irregular lobes (leaves of three, let it be). Older stems growing on trees have aerial roots that give it a hairy appearance.

Similar species: Box elder has leaves very similar to that of poison ivy, but box elder is an erect tree and has opposite leaves. Virginia creeper has a similar growth habit and is found in similar habitats, but has five leaflets.

Miscellaneous: All parts of poison ivy contain a resinous compound, urushiol, that causes dermatitis (inflammation, itching, blistering) in most individuals. It can be transmitted in smoke, clothing, pets, and other objects that come in contact with the plant.

Trifoliate leaves with irregular lobes
Trifoliate leaves with irregular lobes. The author is lucky and has a high level of tolerance to urushiol.

 

poison ivy vine climbing a tree
Poison ivy vine climbing a tree
aerial roots of poison ivy
Aerial roots of poison ivy
Authored by:
Bob Hartzler
Bob Hartzler
  • Retired Weed Scientist and Professor of Agronomy
Dr. Bob Hartzler is a former professor of agronomy and a former extension weed specialist with a Ph.D. in Crop Physiology from Iowa State University. He conducted research on weed biology and how it impacts the efficacy of weed management programs in corn and soybean. Dr. Hartzler also taught undergraduate classes in weed science and weed identification.
Meaghan Anderson
Meaghan Anderson
  • Field Agronomist in Central Iowa
Meaghan Anderson is a field agronomist serving nine counties in central Iowa and an extension specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Areas of expertise include weed management, weed biology, cover crops, corn and soybean management, and integrated pest management.

Meaghan holds a bachelor's degree in agronomy and a master's degree in crop production and physiology (focus: weed science) from Iowa State University.
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