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Is This Poison Ivy?

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Submitted by:  Dennis Powless
Date Submitted: 7/1/2003
Location: South Western Michigan

Question Asked: I found this in the back yard, we live in South Western Michigan. This was taken today July 1, 2003. I give you permission to post this picture. This plant is a stand alone plant, in the back yard near a fence between the yards.

Answer: Hi Dennis -

This plant just loves to pop up and fool us. It's boxelder. Notice how the leaves come in pairs on the stem (opposites) - that's a solid clue for identification. It's amazing how this plant looks so close to poison ivy but with just enough differences to make identification easy.