Poison Ivy is a three leaf plant or vine that grows throughout North America, mainly in disturbed ground. This three leaf plant carries an oil on its leaves and in its stems & roots called Urushiol (You-roo-she-all). It is poisonous in a way such that it inflicts an anaphylactic (allergic) reaction of redness, rashes, itchiness, and sensitivity on all contacted areas in 9 out of 10 people. It is commonly found along the edges of your back yard, growing up trees and fences, along walkways and paths, and intertwined in shrubbery and flowers. Very rarely will you find it deep in the woods. It is virtually harmless to animals however they can be a carrier of the poisonous oils, as described later.