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Is This Poison Ivy?

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Submitted by:  Allen M
Date Submitted: 6/2/2003
Location: southern Kentucky

Question Asked: I live in southern Kentucky and this started growing on my Deck and I was wondering is this poison ivy?

Answer: HI Allen -

The twining vine on your deck is not poison ivy. There are some key differences here including the climbing habit (this twines, poison ivy clings). I believe this is Virgin's Bower (clematis virginiana) which is a wildflower in many areas. This plant is often mistaken for poison ivy due to the leaves with 3 leaflets. Here is some information on Virgin's Bower: Virgin's Bower - Connecticut Botanical Society. Virgin's Bower is native to about half this country (the eastern half).