Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac Information Center

Is This Poison Ivy?

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Submitted by:  Mary Jo R.
Date Submitted: 6/4/2003
Location: St. Paul, MN

Question Asked: I live in Western Wisconsin...near St. Paul, MN. We moved here last fall and this spring I have noticed a lot of 3 leaved plants on our 5 acres of property. Haven't noticed any climbers, mostly low to ground and 3 to 4 feet high. This was taken near our front yard along the driveway. I hope you can indentify this plant. To me, they all look like poison ivy!

Answer: Hi Mary Jo,

That's quite an assortment of plants you have in your yard. I believe if you stepped into the mess you'd have a hard time getting out for all the stickers. I see blackberry, raspberry, grape, and I'm sure there are a few others in there. What I don't see though is poison ivy. The thorns, green stems, and whitish stems are dead giveaways here. The wild grape (I think it is - it's in the background and a bit tough to make out) is a single leaflet and is in the background shiny - copperish/green. Looks like you're in the clear at least on this patch. Be sure to look at the various pictures on this site as it'll help you to become better at poison ivy plant identification.