Poison ivy

What does Poison ivy look like?

'Leaves of three' — glossy, pointed leaflets in groups of three, with the middle leaflet on a longer stalk. Grows as a vine or low shrub, reddish in spring, sometimes with clusters of white berries.

Is Poison ivy dangerous?

Its urushiol oil causes an itchy, blistering rash on contact — even from dead plants or from smoke if it's burned. 'Leaves of three, let it be.'

Commonly confused with

• Virginia creeper: five leaflets, not three
• Boxelder seedlings: leaves opposite, not alternate

What should I do about Poison ivy?

Don't touch it. If you brush against it, wash skin, clothes and tools with soap and cool water promptly, and never burn it.