The most widespread of the three, poison ivy is found throughout most of North America, including all of the United States with the exception of California, Alaska, and Hawaii. Poison ivy can grow in many forms including a groundcover, shrub or a climbing vine. Poison ivy prefers “disturbed ground” so you can find it growing along the edge of your backyard, along paths, up trees and fences, and mixed in with your landscaping.

The best way to identify poison ivy is by its almond-shaped leaflets of three – each stem ends with three leaves. The color of the leaves can change from green to red with the seasons, and it can contain berries of a grayish-white color (but not always).

Visit our photos area to see images of poison ivy as it changes colors throughout the year.