How to Identify Poisonous Vines

Poison Ivy

• 1

  Examine the leaflet structure. With poison ivy (Rhus radicans), the leaflets are 2 to 4 inches in length and are clustered into groups of three per leaf. They are either dull or glossy and have pointed tips.

• 2

  Look at the leaflets’ position on each leaf. With this type of poisonous vine, each leaf is alternately positioned on the stem and the two leaflets on the side of each leaf are generally smaller than the middle leaflet.

• 3

  Determine the vine’s growth pattern and the stem’s texture. This plant typically grows on objects such as trees for support. Additionally, the roots make the stem look like fuzzy rope.

• 4

  Watch for grayish-white fruit and yellowish-green flowers in June or July.

Poison Sumac

• 5

  Look for a plant that resembles a large shrub or small tree with white fruits. Although this plant may seem pleasing to the eye, it causes severe allergic reactions in most people. This plant has large leaves, and is commonly found in wet and moist areas, such as swamps.

• 6

  Examine the plant for a red stem that holds nine to 13 leaflets on each one. These leaflets are smooth on the top.

• 7

  Watch for a range colors between deep purple to bright yellow in the fall season.

Poison Oak

• 8

  Examine the plant to determine whether it is a woody plant or vine. If it is the winter season, look to see if the vine is bare from leaves. The leaves turn bright colors, such as orange and red in the late spring and summer.

• 9

  Watch for the vine to grow along another object for support, much like poison ivy.

• 10

  Look for three leaflets on each leaf with the middle leaflet longer than the side two. Additionally, each leaflet ranges from 1 to 4 inches in length with edges that are lobed or toothed.

• 11

  Look for whitish-green fruit to grow in the late part of the summer.