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Submitted by: Andrew Wagner
Date Submitted: 6/10/2003
Location: Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, near Harrisonburg
Question Asked: This is growing as an upright plant in some leaf litter under an oak. We just moved to the house and I am unsure if this is poison ivy. There are a number of similar plants, although they vary somewhat in regards to leaf size and serrations.
Answer: Hi Andrew -
Thank you for an excellent set of pictures with good detail. Unfortunately, it looks like you've got a bit of work ahead of you as this is poison ivy.
One of the traits of poison ivy is the high variability of the leaflet shape and size even on the same vine. Your batch looks quite healthy - we have had a very wet spring this year and I'm sure that has contributed to some of the monster-sized leaves we've been seeing. The third picture is quite nice as we see 2 interesting details - first is the flowers which grow from the axil of the leaf (upper angle formed from the leaf stalk and the vine/stem). The second detail is the black edges where the leaflets have been damaged. This is likely oxidized urushiol oil. You can see just how fragile these leaflets are. |
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