Have you heard the saying, “leaves of three, let it be” because it’s probably poison ivy? Poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) is an annoying plant to many, but it plays a crucial role in our ecosystem as an important food source — leaves, berries, and all — to animals in the forest. There is a lot of poison ivy creeping into our trails during the summer, and you do need to watch out for it, but there are some other leaves of three that you don’t have to worry about.
Can you identify which plant in the photo is actual poison ivy?
(Answers below. No peeking!)
Pictured: 1.) Fragrant sumac (Rhus aromatica) 2.) Tick trefoil (Hylodesmum nudiflorum) 3.) Common dewberry (Rubus flagellaris) 4.) Poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans)
*** Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) is another species often misidentified as Poison Ivy. Click here for identification.