Each part of the poison ivy plant contains urushiol which is a poisonous oil that willremain active for one year or more. It is urushiol that causes skin to blister and itch when one comes into contact with the plant.
Posion ivy is a perennial plant. It has a compound leaf with 3 bright, shiny leaflets alternately arranged on the stem. Leaflets are egg-shaped either lobed, smooth, or toothed.
Flowers have 5 grayish-white green petals approximately 2/16 inch in diameter. Fruit occurs in waxy,cream-colored, clusters. Poison ivy reproduces by seeds and roots.
