Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac Information Center

Is This Poison Ivy?

<-- Back to "Is it Poison Ivy?"       Glossary

*
Click for larger picture

*
Click for larger picture

Submitted by:  Stacie H
Date Submitted: 6/2/2003
Location: Cambridge, MA

Question Asked: These are living in the "wild area" of my yard, near Cambridge, MA. They're just growing up out of the ground... along with the other weeds and wild violets... no climbing yet. Are they the dreaded plants?

Answer: Hi Stacie -

This plant is boxelder (or ashleaf maple) and is a nuisance in its own right. First off, it mimics poison ivy in many ways (countless times I've been tricked by this one) but is harmless. Second the female boxelder attracts the dreaded boxelder beetle which I understand is a messy bug.