Toxicodendron radicans
| Toxicodendron radicans | |
|---|---|
| During autumn | |
| In spring, Ottawa, Ontario | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Sapindales |
| Family: | Anacardiaceae |
| Genus: | Toxicodendron |
| Species: | T. radicans |
| Binomial name | |
| Toxicodendron radicans (L.) Kuntze | |
| Toxicodendron radicans range map in the United States and Canada | |
| Synonyms | |
| |
Toxicodendron radicans, commonly known as eastern poison ivy or poison ivy, is a species of allergenic flowering plant. It has numerous subtaxons and forms both vines and shrubs. Despite its common name, it is not a true ivy, but rather a member of the cashew and pistachio family Anacardiaceae. It is different from western poison ivy, Toxicodendron rydbergii, and resembles a number of species.
The species is found in North America. Although commonly eaten by animals, with birds consuming the seeds, T. radicans is considered a noxious weed. As a poison ivy, it causes urushiol-induced contact dermatitis in most people who touch it, producing an itchy, irritating, and sometimes painful rash.