Boxelder VS Poison Ivy: How To Tell The Difference


Do you know how to tell the difference between a Boxelder tree and Poison Ivy? Many people don’t, and it’s important to be able to identify these plants if you’re going to be spending time outdoors.

In this blog post, we will discuss the differences between Boxelders and Poison Ivy, as well as what you should do if you get bitten by either plant.

What Is A Boxelder Tree?

A Boxelder tree is a type of maple tree. It is native to North America and can be found in the eastern and central United States, as well as parts of Canada. The Boxelder tree is known for its reddish-brown bark and its dark green leaves. The leaves of the tree are arranged in pairs, with each leaf having three to five lobes. The tree is also known for its small, greenish-yellow flowers, which appear in the spring.

The Boxelder tree is a popular choice for landscaping because it is easy to care for and grows quickly. The tree can reach a height of 50 feet and a width of 30 feet. It prefers full sun and moist soil, but it can also tolerate partial shade and dry soil. The tree is relatively drought-tolerant and does not require a lot of water.

What Does Poison Ivy Look Like?

Poison Ivy can be found all over the United States, and it’s important to know what it looks like so you can avoid it. The leaves of Poison Ivy are usually three-lobed, and they can be either smooth or hairy. The edges of the leaves may also be serrated. The color of the leaves can vary, but they are typically green.

Poison Ivy also has small, white flowers that bloom in the springtime. If you come into contact with Poison Ivy, you will likely experience an itchy rash. In some cases, the rash can be severe and even lead to blisters. If you think you may have been exposed to Poison Ivy, be sure to wash the area as soon as possible. You should also seek medical attention if you have a severe reaction.

How Do You Tell The Difference Between Boxelder And Poison Ivy Plants?

You can tell the difference between Boxelder and Poison Ivy plants by their leaves. Boxelder leaves are arranged in pairs, while Poison Ivy leaves are arranged in threes. Boxelder leaves are also more oval-shaped than Poison Ivy leaves, which are more triangular.

Boxelders also have red flowers and fruits, while Poison Ivy plants have white flowers and fruits. If you’re unsure which plant you’re looking at, it’s best to err on the side of caution and avoid contact with both.

When it comes to plants, there are few that elicit such strong reactions as poison ivy. The plant’s oils can cause an irritating rash in nearly everyone who comes into contact with it. And while most people know to stay away from poison ivy, many don’t know that there’s another plant that looks very similar to it: the boxelder.

Subscribe to caveman cody on YouTube

Boxelder Vs. Poison Ivy – Leaves

One way to tell the difference between Boxelders and Poison Ivy plants is by looking at the leaves. Boxelder leaves are usually arranged in pairs, while poison Ivy leaves are usually arranged in threes. The leaves of a Boxelder are also more pointy than those of Poison Ivy. Boxelder leaves are usually more oval while poison ivy leaves are more triangular. Boxelder leaves also have a smoother texture while poison ivy leaves are hairier.

Boxelder Vs. Poison Ivy – Fruit

When it comes to the fruits, Boxelder has winged seeds that will be in pairs and are found on the female tree. Poison ivy, on the other hand, has clusters of small white berries that grow along the stem in threes. The boxelder tree is also known as the ash-leaved maple while poison ivy is also called Rhus radicans.

Boxelder Vs. Poison Ivy – Stems

Poison Ivy’s stems are smooth, while Boxelder’s are rough. The stems of a Poison Ivy is also hairless, while the Boxelder’s stem has small hairs.

Boxelder Vs. Poison Ivy – Flowers

When it comes to the flowers, there are some very key differences between boxelder and poison ivy.

For starters, Poison Ivy flowers are small and insignificant, while Boxelder flowers are large and showy. Additionally, the flowers of Boxelder tend to be a deep red or purple color, while those of Poison Ivy are more of a pale greenish-white.

Finally, poison ivy flowers have five petals arranged in a perfect circle, while boxelder flowers have only four petals that are more haphazardly arranged.

Does Boxelder Look Like Poison Ivy?

Yes, boxelder and poison ivy can look very similar, especially when they’re growing in the same type of habitat. You may be surprised to learn that boxelder and poison ivy share some similarities. Both plants are climbers, so they often climb up trees or shrubs.

Both plants have compound leaves, with three leaflets each. Additionally, the longest stalk is typically found on the middle leaflet of both plants.

Is Boxelder Poisonous?

No, boxelder (Acer negundo) is not poisonous.

However, the seeds of the boxelder tree can be fatal to horses if ingested in large quantities. The poison ivy plant (Rhus radicans) is also not poisonous, but its oils can cause severe skin irritation in humans. So, while boxelder and poison ivy are not technically poisonous, they can both pose serious threats.

If you have either of these plants on your property, it’s important to take precautions to protect your animals and yourself. Keep horses away from areas where Boxelders are growing, and make sure to remove all Poison Ivy plants before allowing people into the area. If you come into contact with either plant, be sure to wash the affected area thoroughly.

By taking these simple precautions, you can avoid any serious problems posed by Boxelder and Poison Ivy.

https://youtu.be/o7QwWxgNiVc

Subscribe to Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources on YouTube

Does Boxelder Have Red Stems?

Yes, boxelder stems can be red, but they are more often green or brown.

Recommended Posts:

woodworking resources

Kevin Nelson

I will always have a special place in my heart for woodworking. I have such fond memories working on projects with my parents on the weekends in the garage growing up. We built tables, shelves, a backyard shed, 10' base for a water slide into the pool, 2 story fort playhouse with a fire pole, and so much more. This woodworking blog allows me to write helpful articles so others can enjoy woodworking as much as we have.

Recent Posts

STOP Making Out-Dated Table Saw Sleds, Do This Instead