Dear Master Gardener, I have found some plants on our property with “leaves of 3”, the centre leave is symmetrical, and the two outer leaves have the asymmetrical “mitten” shape. They are not wild raspberry (we know because we have those too, and the raspberry plant has shiny smaller leaves and thorns). Is this other plant with the “leaves of 3” poison ivy? One family member dared to touch it and did not get a reaction, but I’ve heard not everyone reacts. (See attached photo) Thank you for your help!
Thank you for contacting the Toronto Master Gardeners.
From the photo you sent, the suspicious plant indeed looks like Poison Ivy (Rhus radicans). Please refer to a previous TMG answer concerning Poison Ivy and a factsheet on Poison Ivy published by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs on how to safely deal with this toxic plant.
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