Eastern Poison Ivy
Toxicodendron radicans · Deciduous woody vine (can grow into a tree-like form or 'shrub')
Plant Family
Anacardiaceae
Tree Category
Woody Vine / Shrub
Variety / Cultivar
Not applicable
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 3-10
About This Tree
While primarily a climbing woody vine, it can grow as a free-standing shrub. It is known for its climbing habit using aerial rootlets to attach to trees or fences, and its 'leaves of three' structure.
Leaf Characteristics
Compound leaves with three leaflets (trifoliate). Leaflets are ovate to elliptic; terminal leaflet has a longer stalk; margins vary from smooth to coarsely toothed or lobed; color is glossy green turning brilliant red or orange in fall.
Bark Characteristics
Vine bark is reddish-brown and covered in numerous fine, hairy-looking aerial rootlets that give it a 'fuzzy' or rope-like appearance on mature specimens.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Eastern North America and many regions across the United States
Growing Season
Leafs out in spring (often with reddish tint), flowers in late spring to early summer, produces drupes in fall, and enters dormancy in winter.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to full shade; highly adaptable to various soil moistures but prefers well-drained loamy soil. Drought tolerant once established.
Mature Size
Vines can climb 60+ feet; shrub forms reach 3-4 feet. Growth rate is very fast; lifespan is perennial and long-lived.
Special Characteristics
Contains urushiol, a skin irritant that causes severe allergic contact dermatitis. Known for exceptional fall color and high resilience to pollution and disturbance.
Wildlife & Ecology
Highly valuable to wildlife; berries are a critical winter food source for many bird species (woodpeckers, goldfinches); foliage is consumed by deer; provide cover for small mammals.