Indianapolis Home Inspector. View on Poison ivy

1. Poison Ivy - The Chameleon of Plants
P E R S P E C T I V E S
Poison Ivy, Toxicodendron radicans, has many leaflet forms. Sometimes the edges will be almost
smooth (Photo 1), but there can be few (Photo 2) or many edge serrations (Photo 3).
The defining characteristics, however, are common in all versions:
¾ Compound leaves with three leaflets
¾ Symmetrical center leaflet serrations
¾ Larger serrations at the bottom sides of the two lower
leaflets than on their upper sides
¾ Upper leaflet stalk is longer than stalks on the two
lower leaflets
The vines can vary in color from green to red. Greyish white berries can be found on the plants and birds eat these
berries without any problems. Humans, however, can be extremely sensitive to urushiol, the oil in the plant.
Provided by: Professionals should remove this plant, but if you choose to
remove it, we recommend first spraying with a systemic plant
Rob Rehm killer, such as Brush-B-Gon. After it dies back, wear
Buyers Protection Group protective clothing and gloves, and place the plants in sealed
Licensed Home Inspector plastic bags for disposal - urushiol is still present. Discard
Licensed WDO Inspector the gloves and wash remaining clothes, using a hot water
NACHI Certified cycle. Urushiol remains wherever located for a long time,
i.e., for several years. Never burn this plant - the oil is
The Best Inspectors. Anywhere. in the smoke.
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Photo 1 Photo 3
Photo 2
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