Our most common native woody vine. All parts of the plant cause severe skin irritation in most people. Easily recognized since it's our only vine with 3-parted leaves. In winter, the disctinctively hairy roots adhering to tree trunks are a dead giveaway. Formerly called Rhus radicans. Quite ornamental in fall, when the leaves turn brilliant shades of red and orange.

Just beginning to flower.

Moore Co., NC 4/20/05.

The small greenish flowers are followed by ornamental white fruits, which are a favorite food of birds. Orange Co., NC 5/9/04.

Unripe drupes. Durham, NC 6/5/03.

Poison-Oak (T. pubescens) is rare in the Durham area. It differs in that its leaves and drupes have velvety pubescence and it only has a shrub form (Poison-Ivy is normally a vine, but can grow like a shrub)

Ripe fruits.

Columbia, NC 11/1/05.

Carroll Co., VA 10/29/06.

The buds and branch tips are velvety-pubescent.

Carroll Co., VA 10/29/06.

Large vine growing up a tree. The bark of the vine is usually covered by dense aerial rootlets.

Vines can get very large, taking over dead trees entirely. This one must be at least 30 feet high. Branches of Poison-Ivy can spread laterally 8 feet or more from the trunk.

Carroll Co., VA 10/29/06.