Poison Ivy - Rhus
radicans
This member of the Cashew family grows as a noticeably hairy
vine, and features three leaflets which may be entire or have
a few coarse teeth. Small green flowers grow in the axils of
the leaves and are evident in late April well into May. The
fruits are grayish to white berries which persist into winter.
These berries are high in oils and are an important food source
for many winter resident birds. All parts of the plant are toxic
to touch at all times of the year. When this is burnt the smoke
will carry the toxic oil and, if inhaled, can cause a serious
reaction. In autumn the leaves can be really
pretty.
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