Rhus Toxicodendron

Rhus toxicodendron, commonly known as poison ivy in English, is a species of flowering plant in the cashew family, Anacardiaceae. The Hebrew name for this plant is רוס טוקסיקודנדרון. It is native to eastern North America and parts of eastern Asia, where it is known as sumac venenoso in Spanish, lierre poison in French, and Giftsumach in German. This woody vine or shrub is notorious for causing an itchy and irritating skin rash upon contact, due to the presence of an oily resin called urushiol. The plant typically grows in a variety of environments, including forests, fields, and urban areas, and can be identified by its characteristic three-leaflet leaves, which often turn red in the fall. Despite its harmful effects, Rhus toxicodendron plays a role in its ecosystem by providing food and habitat for various wildlife species.