Knowledgebase
Is this plant poison ivy #934894
Asked June 09, 2026, 6:05 PM EDT
Rockingham County New Hampshire
Expert Response
Hi Dan and thank you for contacting the UNH Extension Yard & Garden Infoline. My name is Debi Green. I am a Master Gardener volunteer and I am happy to help answer your question.
No, the plant pictured is not Poison Ivy. Poison Ivy's edges are not quite as serrated, and the leaves often droop a little. The stems may be red as well, although not always.
Below is a picture of Poison Ivy. You may notice that on some of the lower leaves, there appear to be "thumbs," or tend to resemble a pair of mittens. The leaves tend to be somewhat shiny as well.
Below is the link the picture is from, with information on other poisonous plants as well as look-alikes that are not poisonous. It appears to me that the plant you found may be Boxelder, which is not poisonous. https://www.aces.edu/blog/topics/forestry/touch-me-nots-poison-ivy-poison-oak-and-poison-sumac/
Please let us know if you have any further questions.
