Poison Ivy vs. Poison Oak in Georgia: How to Tell Them Apart

Poison oak (Toxicodendron pubescens) exists in Georgia but is far less common than poison ivy (T. radicans). Key differences:

Poison oak: Rounded leaf lobes; always a shrub.
Poison ivy: Pointed leaf lobes; usually a vine, but forms a shrubby mound when unsupported.

Most "poison oak" sightings are actually poison ivy.

poison ivy

poison oak

About Gardening: Poison Ivy Galls: Identification and Safe Removal; Identifying and Safely Removing Poison Oak; Virginia Creeper vs. Poison Ivy: Five Leaflets, Tendrils, and Possible Rash; Poison Oak and Poison Ivy: Identification and Control; Winter Poison Ivy Removal and Rash Prevention; Poison Ivy Leaf Galls: Harmless Mite Damage That Doesn't Slow the Vine; Poison Ivy's Few Natural Enemies; Poison Ivy Identification: Pictures and Look-Alikes; Poison Ivy Control: Identification, Herbicides, and Manual Removal; Poison Ivy Herbicides: Chemical Options for Control

Garden Articles

Plants