Eastern Poison Ivy
Toxicodendron radicans
- Native to:
- Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada, Guam, Guatemala, Mexico, Prince Edward I., United States, Virgin Islands
Hassan Albadawi
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Anacardiaceae
- Genus:
- Toxicodendron
- Species:
- Toxicodendron radicans
- USDA Symbol:
- TORA2
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb , Shrub , Subshrub , Vine
- Height:
- 900 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Part Shade,Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- may,jun
- Bloom Colors:
- greenish-white
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★★★☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★★☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Cameraria guttifinitella, Eutelia pulcherrimus, eyed paectes moth (Paectes oculatrix), Marathyssa basalis, Marathyssa inficita, Paectes occulatrix, Stigmella rhoifoliella, Sumac Leafblotch Miner Moth (Caloptilia rhoifoliella), White-lined leafroller (Amorbia humerosana)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Bees: Eastern Carpenter Bee (Xylocopa virginica), ⚠️Western honey bee (Apis mellifera) Moths:Cameraria guttifinitella, Epipaschia superatalis, Stigmella rhoifoliella, Sumac Leafblotch Miner Moth (Caloptilia rhoifoliella) Butterflies:Wild Indigo Duskywing (Erynnis baptisiae), Zabulon Skipper (Lon zabulon)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
- Fall Color:
- red, orange, yellow
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 4.0 - 6.5 (acidic to slightly acidic)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- commonly found in forested areas and along edges
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require cold stratification for 30-60 days to break dormancy.
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- Sheffield's Seed (seeds)