Try the New and Improved Interactive Poison Ivy Quiz
Grows as a shrub, vine or climber. 3 leaves, can be shiny or matte, hairy or smooth, some leaves match the other side, can have large edges or smaller edges. Most often the side leaves have notches in one side and the other side smooth, the middle leaf has notches in both sides. In fall may have reddish or yellow leaves. Middle leaf has a longer stem and pointed at the end. Most often found next to or climbing trees - birds love to eat the berries, the seeds go through, and well...you get the picture. (See video below)
If skin comes in contact with the oil (can stay on clothes for up to a year) wash immediately with strong soap or alcohol. Water alone may spread the oil. Check with your doctor for other treatments.
Poison Ivy is fascinating to me not only because of it's diversity in where and how it can grow, but I have noticed that no two leaves are every exactly alike! Now you may be able to prove me wrong, but please don't send them to me.
You may have heard the phrase "Leaves of three, Let them be." Well, that my keep you out of the woods altogether as I have tried to show with the quiz.