Poison Ivy & Poison Oak

Learn to recognize poison ivy and poison oak. The leaves of both plants grow in clusters of three. Poison ivy is a vine that climbs or grows along the ground, and poison oak is a shrub. To avoid an allergic reaction, wear pants, long sleeves, and gloves. If the resin of either plant gets on your skin, wash it off with soap and water within 20 minutes. You should not have a reaction if you do this, unless you are highly sensitive to the plants.