How much sun does Poison Ivy need?

Poison Ivy grows best in part sun conditions.

When does Poison Ivy bloom?

Poison Ivy blooms in March, April, and May.

Where is Poison Ivy native?

Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) is native to AL, AR, AZ, CT and 42 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What butterflies or moths does Poison Ivy host?

Poison Ivy is a larval host plant for eyed paectes moth and sumac leafblotch miner moth.

Is Poison Ivy HOA-friendly?

Poison Ivy takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Poison Ivy

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Toxicodendron radicans

Last reviewed: October 2026

Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

12"–1200" H × 24"–48" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May

Native to

AL, AR, AZ, CT and 42 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles, flies, butterflies

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 459 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Picture natives in your own yard

Upload a photo of your yard and Patch Vision shows a rendering of it planted with natives for your region, like Poison Ivy.

Try it with your yard

Browse plants for this ecoregion

North American Deserts Arizona/New Mexico Mountains Chihuahuan Deserts Southwestern Tablelands Central Great Plains Great Plains Cross Timbers Edwards Plateau Southern Texas Plains Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain South Central Plains Eastern Temperate Forests Ozark Highlands Central Irregular Plains Piedmont Western Corn Belt Plains Northern Lakes and Forests North Central Hardwood Forests Driftless Area Southeastern Wisconsin Till Plains Central Corn Belt Plains Eastern Corn Belt Plains Southern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift Plains Huron/Erie Lake Plains Northeastern Highlands Northeastern Coastal Zone Northern Allegheny Plateau Erie Drift Plain Northern Forests Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Northern Piedmont Southeastern Plains Blue Ridge Ridge and Valley Central Appalachians Western Allegheny Plateau Interior Plateau Interior River Valleys and Hills Mississippi Alluvial Plain Mississippi Valley Loess Plains Southern Coastal Plain Southern Florida Coastal Plain Madrean Archipelago Eastern Great Lakes Lowlands Atlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Poison ivy is a native climbing or trailing vine that produces clusters of small greenish flowers followed by white berries. This highly allergenic plant causes severe skin reactions in most people and spreads aggressively through underground roots and bird-dispersed seeds.

In an HOA neighborhood

Poison Ivy takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Causes severe allergic reactions in most people
Considered a noxious weed requiring removal
Liability concern for neighborhoods

Wildlife value

Host plant for eyed paectes moth, sumac leafblotch miner moth.

The flowers attract bees, beetles, and flies, while the berries provide food for over 60 bird species. Despite its wildlife benefits, the extreme human health risks make it unsuitable for residential landscapes.

Common questions

How much sun does Poison Ivy need?: Poison Ivy grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Poison Ivy bloom?: Poison Ivy blooms in March, April, and May.
Where is Poison Ivy native?: Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) is native to AL, AR, AZ, CT and 42 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Poison Ivy toxic to dogs?: Poison Ivy is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
Is Poison Ivy toxic to cats?: Poison Ivy is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
What butterflies or moths does Poison Ivy host?: Poison Ivy is a larval host plant for eyed paectes moth and sumac leafblotch miner moth.
Is Poison Ivy HOA-friendly?: Poison Ivy takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Poison Ivy? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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