Trending: eastern poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) — 697 observations this week
iNaturalist Community
Citizen Science
Knowing what poison ivy looks like right now — shiny, three-leafed, and often climbing fences or trail edges — can save you a week of miserable itching on your next hike or backyard cleanup.
Nearly 700 people reported spotting eastern poison ivy this week through the iNaturalist app, making it one of the most-watched plants right now. This native vine or shrub causes a notorious itchy rash on contact and is widespread across eastern North America. The spike in sightings likely means it's in a very visible growth stage, so it's a great time to learn to identify it before you accidentally brush against it.
Key Findings
697 research-grade observations of eastern poison ivy were recorded in a single week on iNaturalist
The observation volume was high enough to rank it among the most observed plant species on the platform this week
Peak early-summer growth makes the plant particularly visible and identifiable — and particularly hazardous to encounter
chevron_right Technical Summary
Eastern poison ivy is one of the most observed plants on iNaturalist this week, with 697 research-grade sightings logged across its range. Peak activity likely reflects early summer growth flush when the plant is most recognizable — and most hazardous.
Abstract Preview
eastern poison ivy is among the most observed plant species this week with 697 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...