Which leaf pattern indicates poison ivy?

• A. Five rounded leaves, dull tips
• B. One leaf with jagged edge
• C. Leaves arranged alternately along stem
• D. Three shiny leaves, pointed tips

Answer: (D)

Poison ivy is identified by a leaves-in-threes pattern on a single stem, meaning each leaf is actually a compound structure with three leaflets. The option describing three shiny leaflets with pointed tips matches this classic pattern, which is the hallmark of poison ivy. The middle leaflet often sits on a longer stalk, and the leaflets can be shiny with pointed tips, though margins can vary.

The other patterns don’t fit poison ivy: five leaflets point to another plant (like Virginia creeper); a single jagged-edged leaf isn’t a compound leaf; and leaves arranged alternately along the stem describe how leaves attach to the stem rather than how many leaflets appear on a single leaf.