poison ivy identification

Poison ivy typically appears as a hairy or three-leafed plant, with leaves that can be shiny or dull and range from red to green. The three-leaf pattern is a key feature—each leaf has a central leaf attached to a stem with two side leaves. It may grow as a vine, spreading along supports, or as a low shrub. The plant often has a reddish tint in early spring and turns orange or red in fall. Be cautious around any plant with this leaf pattern, especially if it climbs or trails. Direct contact with the oil from the plant's sap causes skin irritation.