EMILY de CAMP HERBARIUM

COMMON NAME: Poison Ivy
OTHER COMMON NAME(S):
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Toxicodendron radicans
FAMILY: Anacardiaceae
COMMUNITY: Secondary Dune
STATUS: Native
LIFESPAN: Perennial
HEIGHT: Maximum of 6 feet
FLOWERING TIME:
BLOOM TIME:
DISTRIBUTION:

IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTICS: Long-stalked, three-part variable leaves that can be bright or dark green, shiny or dull, lobed or unlobed ~ can be found as an herbaceous plant, woody, high-climbing vine or shrub ~ runners have aerial roots ~ small, inconspicuous whitish-green flowers ~ drupes (berries) are pale yellow-green

GENERAL INFORMATION: “Leaves of three, Let it be. Berries white, Run in fright”. Most people are familiar with this noxious relative of the cashew and mango whose scientific name means ‘poisonous tree’. All parts of the plant can cause a rash and are a problem year round.

Its effects on humans are well documented. Even 100 year old herbarium specimens can cause a rash! This is actually an allergic reaction caused by the chemical that is found on the leaves, so that some individuals are seemingly immune. Others however, are so allergic that even being downwind of poison ivy causes that nasty rash. Interestingly, poison ivy has no effect on animals. In fact, poison ivy berries are one of the most important food sources for winter birds.

Despite a rather well-deserved reputation, poison ivy is a very important plant at Island Beach. Its long roots stabilize the sand and prevent erosion, while its dense vines and berries provide shelter and food for small animals and birds. Poison ivy is also an effective natural deterrent against those who would wander off trail.
Surprisingly, poison ivy has been used medicinally. Samuel Hahnemann, the father of Homeopathy, used poison ivy to treat joint and muscle pain as well as skin eruptions.Because poison ivy inhibits the hormone-like chemical prostaglandin, it is being used in fertility research.

Please note: While harvesting wild berries/fruit is permitted at Island Beach State Park, visitors must adhere to park regulations at all times and must not damage vegetation or go off designated trails. This information is presented for educational purposes only.