Seed

Description: Poison ivy is a native perennial woody species that reproduces by both seeds and underground roots. Poison ivy primarily grows as a woody vine; however, if it is growing in full sunlight it may grow as a shrub up to several feet tall. As a vine, poison ivy will climb fence posts, shrubs, and trees. Older vines may be more than 2 inches in diameter and may grow up to 75 feet in length. The leaves are alternate and consist of 3 leaflets that can vary greatly in shape. Most often the leaflets are 2 to 4 inches in length, pointed at the tip, shiny, and have notched or smooth edges. The leaves are petiolate and often the terminal leaflet has the longest stem. The flowers are yellowish-green, small, 5 petaled, and borne in a cluster 1 to 3 inches long. Flowering occurs from August through September. Not all plants will flower or bear fruit. The seeds are produced inside a fruit which grows in clusters on slender stems in the axil of the leaves. The fruit is grayish-white to yellow, 3/16 inch in diameter and has distinct lines marking the outer surface, somewhat like a peeled orange. The seeds are grayish striped and approximately 1/8 inch in diameter.

Leaf

All parts of this plant contain a poisonous material that causes blistering of the skin.

Distribution: Poison ivy grows along stream banks, edges of paths and roadsides, fencerows, woodlands, and other noncultivated sites. Poison ivy prefers moist, shaded locations. Poison ivy is found throughout Minnesota, with the heaviest infestations found in wooded areas of the state.