Eastern Poison Ivy
Toxicodendron radicans
(Click on image to enlarge.)
(Click on image to enlarge.)
|
Poison Ivy is abundant in the Mobile area. It often climbs the trunks of Live Oaks, but just
often grows among the fallen leaves on the ground. Most people suffer itching and rash when they
touch Poison Ivy, so it is a plant to know and avoid. Even those who are normally immune can
be affected if they have briar scratches, as I can attest. The compound leaves are composed of three leaflets,
hence the old rhyme:
If leaves be three Then leave it be, is very sound advice. Poison Ivy is a vine, but when first appearing in the spring it will not necessarily appear to be a vine. The leaflets may be toothed, lobed, or entire (having neither teeth nor lobes). These plants were photographed in April in various locations. Eastern Poison Ivy is a member of the Sumac family. |