Is this Poison Oak?
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Is this Poison Oak?
We were clearing brush next to our driveway yesterday and came across this plant. Is it Poison Oak? Here are three images. One of the main leaves, one of the young leaves, and one of the full plant. The plant is about 3' high
#3
No. Here's how I know for certain.
As for the top image, see the bit I circled in red?
That's a positive negative. Poison ivy has many alternative configurations but ALL have three rules in common. One of them is that where the leaves emerge from the main stalk ALWAYS alternates. They are NEVER opposite, as they are in your top picture.
Left, alternating (could be poison ivy/oak). Right, opposite (cannot be poison ivy/oak).
The second rule is there ALWAYS are three leaflets. Never more, never less. You bottom image has as many as seven leaflets. That there happen to be three at the very end of the stalk in a configuration somewhat similar to poison ivy/oak is NOT a positive indicator.
The third rule (not in evidence here) is that poison ivy/oak NEVER has thorns. Not on the leaves, not on the stems, not on the stalks. Ever.
Actually there also is a fourth rule concerning leaf shapes but I've never needed any more than two of the three above to make a positive identification.
As for the top image, see the bit I circled in red?
That's a positive negative. Poison ivy has many alternative configurations but ALL have three rules in common. One of them is that where the leaves emerge from the main stalk ALWAYS alternates. They are NEVER opposite, as they are in your top picture.
Left, alternating (could be poison ivy/oak). Right, opposite (cannot be poison ivy/oak).
The second rule is there ALWAYS are three leaflets. Never more, never less. You bottom image has as many as seven leaflets. That there happen to be three at the very end of the stalk in a configuration somewhat similar to poison ivy/oak is NOT a positive indicator.
The third rule (not in evidence here) is that poison ivy/oak NEVER has thorns. Not on the leaves, not on the stems, not on the stalks. Ever.
Actually there also is a fourth rule concerning leaf shapes but I've never needed any more than two of the three above to make a positive identification.
#5
Group Moderator
The old saying is: "Leaves of three, leave it be". Hence Poison oak/ivy is always three leaves.
#6
3 leaves are not the only criteria, poison ivy is not the only plant with 3 leaves...hence the question.
Maybe it's box elder (Acer negundo). Looks very similar, with the opposing leaf stems that Fred pointed out.
Maybe it's box elder (Acer negundo). Looks very similar, with the opposing leaf stems that Fred pointed out.