Trending: eastern poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) — 843 observations this week
iNaturalist Community
Citizen Science
Poison ivy is actively leafing out right now along the trail edges, fence lines, and woodland borders where you're most likely to brush past it this weekend — learning its three-leaflet silhouette cold could save you a week of miserable itching.
Thousands of people across North America spotted and photographed poison ivy this week, making it one of the most-reported plants on the iNaturalist app. That spike lines up with early summer, when the plant pushes out fresh, shiny leaves and is easiest to brush against without noticing. The surge in reports is a useful reminder that poison ivy is widespread, thriving, and worth knowing on sight before you head outdoors.
Key Findings
843 research-grade observations were submitted to iNaturalist in a single week, signaling peak early-summer visibility.
Eastern poison ivy ranked among the most observed plant species site-wide, reflecting both its abundance and high public recognition.
The observation spike aligns with the plant's active leafing-out period, when urushiol-coated foliage is most likely to cause contact dermatitis.
chevron_right Technical Summary
Eastern poison ivy is surging in citizen-science observations this week, with 843 research-grade sightings logged on iNaturalist — making it one of the most-watched plants in North America right now. Peak early-summer growth means the plant is actively spreading into trails, backyards, and woodland edges.
Abstract Preview
eastern poison ivy is among the most observed plant species this week with 843 research-grade observations.
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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...