Many lifelong nature enthusiasts are familiar with this story. It’s a bright, warm day, perfect for basking in the sun and hiking through the woods. You spend hours in the forest, exploring the verdant plant life and listening to the sounds of local birds, frogs, and bugs. The experience seems idyllic — until you return home and develop an itchy red rash. What could have caused this? In the United States, poison ivy is one of the most common culprits responsible for such conditions. One bad rash will have most people on high alert to avoid ever encountering poison ivy again. Learn how to identify poison ivy with these seven photos that explain the troublesome plant’s telltale features.
How to identify poison ivy, explained in 7 photos
Know the signs, and avoid a rash.