Trending: eastern poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) — 899 observations this week
iNaturalist Community
Phenology
Poison ivy is actively leafing out right now along trail edges, fence lines, and woodland borders — knowing its three-leaflet shape and glossy sheen before your next hike could save you a week of miserable itching.
Nearly 900 people spotted and reported eastern poison ivy this week through the iNaturalist app, making it one of the most-observed plants right now. Poison ivy thrives in disturbed areas, forest edges, and backyards across much of North America, and spring through early summer is when it's most lush and easy to brush against accidentally. The wave of sightings is a good signal that the plant is at peak visibility — and peak itch risk — across its range.
Key Findings
899 research-grade observations of eastern poison ivy were recorded on iNaturalist in a single week
The observation volume ranked eastern poison ivy among the top trending plant species platform-wide for the week
Peak sighting activity aligns with late spring leafing-out, when urushiol-laden foliage is most lush and contact risk is highest
chevron_right Technical Summary
Eastern poison ivy is surging in iNaturalist observations this week, with 899 research-grade sightings logged across its range. This spike likely reflects seasonal peak growth and increased outdoor activity, making it a timely reminder to learn identification before heading into the field.
Abstract Preview
eastern poison ivy is among the most observed plant species this week with 899 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...