Does poison ivy have any redeeming value in nature?

Poison ivy is a very widespread and productive plant. It flowers in May and June and produces dense clusters of white berries that ripen between August and November and often persist through the winter. read more

As such, poison ivy is a"producer" (or photoautotroph) for the ecosystems in which it lives. It converts the radiant (visible light) energy from the sun into energy that is useable in the ecosystem by non-photosynthetic organisms. Believe it or not, there are animals that actually eat poison ivy. read more

Poison oak gets a bad rap, and with good reason. The plant produces an allergenic oil, urushiol, that causes painful rashes on unsuspecting hikers and gardeners. But there’s also a good side to this hearty woodland shrub that may be worth keeping in mind as you trek into poison oak territory. read more