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Rydberg's Poison-ivy

Toxicodendron rydbergii

Last reviewed: August 2026

Rydberg's Poison-ivy (Toxicodendron rydbergii)
Photo: Dave Powell, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org (cropped by the uploader) / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Rydberg's Poison-ivy (Toxicodendron rydbergii) 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

full sun

Water

medium

Size

12"–60" H × 24"–120" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, CT and 34 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

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 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Northwestern Forested MountainsNorth American DesertsCentral Basin and RangeSouthern RockiesArizona/New Mexico MountainsHigh PlainsSouthwestern TablelandsCentral Great PlainsNorthwestern Glaciated PlainsNorthwestern Great PlainsGreat PlainsNorthern Glaciated PlainsWestern Corn Belt PlainsNorthern ForestsNorthern Lakes and ForestsNorth Central Hardwood ForestsDriftless AreaSoutheastern Wisconsin Till PlainsSouthern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift PlainsHuron/Erie Lake PlainsNortheastern HighlandsNortheastern Coastal ZoneMadrean ArchipelagoSonoran Basin and RangeAcadian Plains and HillsEastern Great Lakes Lowlands

Rydberg's poison-ivy is a native climbing vine that produces clusters of small greenish flowers in late spring and early summer. This deciduous vine spreads extensively and causes severe skin reactions in most people who come into contact with it.

In an HOA neighborhood

Rydberg's 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.

  • Highly toxic to humans causing severe allergic reactions
  • Aggressive spreading habit difficult to control
  • Liability concerns for neighbors and visitors

Wildlife value

The flowers attract bees and beetles, and the berries provide food for birds. Despite its toxicity to humans, it serves as an important native plant for wildlife habitat.

Common questions

How much sun does Rydberg's Poison-ivy need?
Rydberg's Poison-ivy grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Rydberg's Poison-ivy bloom?
Rydberg's Poison-ivy blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Rydberg's Poison-ivy native?
Rydberg's Poison-ivy (Toxicodendron rydbergii) is native to AZ, CA, CO, CT and 34 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Rydberg's Poison-ivy toxic to dogs?
Rydberg's Poison-ivy is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
Is Rydberg's Poison-ivy toxic to cats?
Rydberg's Poison-ivy is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
What pollinators does Rydberg's Poison-ivy attract?
Rydberg's Poison-ivy draws bees and beetles.
Is Rydberg's Poison-ivy HOA-friendly?
Rydberg's 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.

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

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