What Does Poison Ivy Look Like?

Poison Ivy Vines

Frank, a good friend of mine in Pennsylvania says, “A hairy vine is a scary vine.” That’s good advice as the poison ivy vines do appear hairy as they grow up trees, unlike grapevine.

Poison Ivy Vine

Poison Ivy Leaves

The usual thing to look for is three leaf clusters, often shiny. The slogan here is “Leaves of three, leave them be!”

Poison Ivy Leaves

However, the plant can look different. For additional information, read page 7 of the May 2007 Potomac Appalachian Newsletter.

Poison Ivy Prevention

Obviously, not touching the poison ivy plants and vines is the best way to prevent getting a poison ivy rash. I’ve also heard that washing within 10 minutes can be effective if you are exposed. While freezing temperatures aren’t usually associated with the best time to do yardwork, I think cold spells during winter are the best times to chop the poison ivy vines in my yard as they aren’t so juicy.

Just after sunrise, the snow coated trees took on a pink glow.

Pink Glow on the Snow

Pink Light from Sunrise Cast On Snowy Trees

A fast moving, powerful storm dumped 4.5″ of snow at Old Dominion Wildlife Headquarters. This weather event was highly elevation dependent, with lower elevations experiencing heavy rain.

During the Event... 3"

Dogwood Tree Weighed Down by the Snow

Large, bumpy green fruit balls grow and fall from the Osage Orange Tree. This tree grows in Jim Barnett Park in Winchester, Virginia.

Osage Orange

Osage Orange Tree

Here’s a weeping willow tree at Wilkins Lake in Winchester.

Weeping Willow