Poison Ivy: A Portfolio of Seasons

Hiking or mountain biking in Iowa or the midwest is a lot more fun if you know what poison ivy looks like and can avoid it.

The trouble is that poison ivy does not always look like it does in the perfect specimen photos. Time and experience have given me a sixth sense about the plant. That is some hard earned knowledge, and I would not wish the experience of some of those poison ivy cases on anyone.

Skip the rash, and learn from these poison ivy photos!

Spring

Poison ivy loves to grow on freshly disturbed ground.

Poison ivy often grows up the side of a tree as a vine. When it does, if frequently also sends out horizontal branches.

Summer and Fall

Poison can be difficult to describe because sometimes the leaves are lobed, sometimes toothed, and sometimes smooth.

Poison ivy often, but not always, has red leaves or stems.

Flowers can sometimes be found on mature plants.

Poison ivy can grow just about anywhere.

Winter

In the winter you can still get a rash from the bare vines and berries.