Unit 51 (051)

1. Toxicodendron radicans or Poison Ivy

Although the Family Anacardiaceae is covered in Unit 007, you should review the plant

photos so you are familiar with this common plant in landscapes. See also “Facts

Frequently Misunderstood about Poison Ivy”. Note that the 3 leaflets are not evenly

toothed but have various lobes (sometimes oak like). Wild strawberry has leaves with

toothed margins where the teeth are evenly spaced. Picture 12 has a strawberry leaf

beside the poison ivy. Poison Ivy leaves vary a great deal in size.

2. Urtica or Stinging Nettles

Urtica dioica is the common stinging nettle in gardens and fields. The leaves and

stems are covered with small hairs that easily break off and release a substance that

causes a stinging sensation for 30 minutes or so. Nettle seedlings are common in

flower gardens. You should learn to recognize this plant.

3. Pelargonium or Scented Geraniums

In this unit we look only at scented Pelargonium. In unit 59 we will look at the non

scented geraniums.

There are dozens of cultivars of scented geraniums. Some are very similar and some

have the same scent. Remember, Pelargonium is a South African genus and the

plants are not winter hardy outdoors.