Identifying a Thorny, Three-Leaved Plant: Poison Ivy or Something Else?

Key Distinction

Poison ivy has three leaflets with jagged edges and turns red in fall, but it does not have barbs or thorns on stems. Your plant's barbs suggest a different species (possibly a bramble or smilax).

Safe Removal

• Wear gloves; treat as potentially irritating.
• Use a targeted herbicide like WipeOut (Green Light): mix 1 part concentrate to 2–3 parts water, paint on leaves with a brush.
• Cover desirable plants with plastic during application.
• Herbicide translocates to taproot; plant dies in days. Re-treat stubborn shoots.

Do not burn or mow—barbs can cause mechanical injury and spread irritants.