Trending: eastern poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) — 923 observations this week
iNaturalist Community
Phenology
Poison ivy is hitting peak urushiol potency right now — the same week crowds are heading onto trails — and being able to recognize its shiny three-leaflet clusters before you grab a trailside branch could save you a miserable two-week rash.
Poison ivy is one of the most-spotted plants on iNaturalist this week, with nearly a thousand confirmed sightings. Spring is when it's easiest to encounter because the plant is leafing out right as people head outdoors. Knowing what it looks like — three shiny leaves, sometimes with a reddish tinge when young — is genuinely useful safety knowledge for anyone spending time outside.
Key Findings
923 research-grade observations recorded in a single week, ranking eastern poison ivy among the top observed plant species nationally
Observation spike aligns with late-spring leaf-out period when urushiol-containing leaves are newly emerged and contact risk is elevated
Citizen-science data captures real-time geographic distribution, helping track range shifts and density in suburban and urban-edge habitats
chevron_right Technical Summary
Eastern poison ivy is surging in iNaturalist observations this week, with 923 research-grade sightings logged across its range. This spike likely reflects peak seasonal activity as the plant leafs out and hikers venture into woods and trails.
Abstract Preview
eastern poison ivy is among the most observed plant species this week with 923 research-grade observations.
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Species Mentioned
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Toxicodendron radicans, commonly known as eastern poison ivy or poison ivy, is a species of allergenic flowering plant. It has numerous subtaxons and forms both vines and shrubs. Despite its common name, it is not a true ivy, but rather a member of the cashew and sumac family, Anacardiaceae. It i...