What is Poison Ivy?

Poison ivy is a kind of harmful vince or shrub belonging to the cashew family. It grows plentifully in parts of the United States and southern Canada. Poison ivy usually grows as a vine, twinning on tree trunks or straggling over the ground. The plant often forms bushes if it has no support to climb on. The tissues of these plants contain poisonous oil somewhat like carbolic acid. This oil is extremely irritating to the skin and it can be brushed onto the clothing or skin of people coming in contact with the plants. The leaves of poison ivy are red in early spring. Later they changed to shiny green, while on autumn they turn red or orange. Each leaf is made up of three leaflets more or less notched at the edges. Later in the season, clusters of poisonous, berry like drupes form. They are whitish, with a waxy look.

Poison Ivy Contagious

Ground ivy is a trailing, fragrant plant that has creeping stems which form thick masses of leaves wherever they get hold. Ground ivy was formerly used in making ale and cough medicine.