More Poison Ivy

 

I also wrote about Poison Ivy on February 2, 2016. Some call it my favourite plant!

There are two varieties with different growth habits of Poison Ivy in Ontario. poison 1

The one we see most commonly in the Toronto area is a low shrub, usually less than one metre in height. It has erect or ascending branches and forms patches or low thickets.

Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron rydbergii)

Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron rydbergii)

The leaves are arranged in groups of three leaflets. The terminal one has a long stalk and the two lateral ones have almost no stalk. The old saying goes Leaflets three? Quickly flee!

When growing in the shade, the leaflets often have little fringes.

Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron rydbergii)

Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron rydbergii)

The flowers are tiny and greenish-white to yellowish.

Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron rydbergii)

Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron rydbergii)

They appear in loose clusters from the axils of the leaves.

The fruit is a small, beadlike drupe and is ivory-white to straw-coloured.

Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron rydbergii)

Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron rydbergii)

A warning saying is: Berries white? Quick take flight!

Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron rydbergii)

Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron rydbergii)

Here are 2 photos of the buds in winter:

poisonivy-bud4poisonivy-bud1

The fruit (drupe) is also conspicuous in winter.

Berries white

 

In early spring, the leaves are darkish in colour and very shiny.

Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron rydbergii)

Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron rydbergii)

 

Poison Ivy (Taxicodendron rybergii)

Poison Ivy (Taxicodendron rybergii)

In many people, Poison Ivy is capable of producing a very serious skin rash through direct contact with the plant or though indirect means, such as, through the smoke from burning plants, or through contact with clothing or an animal that has brushed against the plants.

 

Miles Hearn

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