poison ivy

North American plant Rhus radicans of the cashew family, having leaves composed of three leaflets, yellowish flowers, and ivory-colored, berrylike fruit. The leaves are variable and may be dull or shiny, leathery or thin, toothed or smooth-edged. It can grow as an erect shrub, trailing vine, or climber. All parts of the plant contain a heavy, nonvolatile oil that causes inflammation of the skin with itching rash, blisters, and/or swelling in susceptible persons. Numerous birds feed on the berries.