Rydberg's Poison-ivy
Toxicodendron rydbergii
Last reviewed: July 2026
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
CA, CO, CT, DE and 34 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
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 CA, CO, CT, DE and 34 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- 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 USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. 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.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz