In summer, the green leaves of poison plants blend right in with other plants and brush, so it’s possible to sit down on a patch of poison ivy and not even notice! Teach your kids to identify poison ivy, oak, and sumac so they can steer clear of them.
![](https://b1964919.smushcdn.com/1964919/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/iStock-955868150-poison-ivy.jpg?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=1)
![](https://b1964919.smushcdn.com/1964919/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/iStock-955868150-poison-ivy.jpg?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=1)
Poison Ivy
Poison ivy can grow as a vine or small shrub trailing along the ground or climbing on low plants, trees, and poles. Each leaf has three glossy leaflets with smooth or toothed edges.
![Close-up of Poison Oak leaves](https://b1964919.smushcdn.com/1964919/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/iStock-91769661-poison-oak.jpg?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=1)
![Close-up of Poison Oak leaves](https://b1964919.smushcdn.com/1964919/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/iStock-91769661-poison-oak.jpg?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=1)
![Close-up of Poison Oak leaves](https://b1964919.smushcdn.com/1964919/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/iStock-91769661-poison-oak.jpg?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=1)
Poison Oak
Poison oak grows as a low shrub in the eastern and southern United States. Fuzzy green leaves in clusters of three are lobed or deeply toothed with rounded tips.
![Purple leaves on sumac tree in Autumn](https://b1964919.smushcdn.com/1964919/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/iStock-477980998-poison-sumac.jpg?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=1)
![Purple leaves on sumac tree in Autumn](https://b1964919.smushcdn.com/1964919/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/iStock-477980998-poison-sumac.jpg?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=1)
![Purple leaves on sumac tree in Autumn](https://b1964919.smushcdn.com/1964919/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/iStock-477980998-poison-sumac.jpg?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=1)
Poison Sumac
Poison sumac grows as a tall shrub or small tree in bogs or swamps in parts of the Southeast. Each leaf has clusters of seven to 13 smooth edged leaflets.