Poison Ivy, Poison Oak, & Poison Sumac

Poison ivy grows throughout the U.S. as a low vine or shrub with three green, shiny leaflets that have notched edges ("Leaves of three, let it be"). In Fall, the leaflets can turn bright red or yellow.

Poison oak grows primarily in the western and northwestern U.S. as a shrub with between three to seven leaflets. A leaflet can have a hairy appearance on its underside.

Poison sumac grows mainly in the central and eastern U.S. in damp environments as a shrub with smooth leaflets and white berries.

To learn more about Outdoor Biological Hazards visit our Outdoor Biological Hazards Online Training web page.