Toxicodendron radicans - Poison Ivy

Thomas Jefferson considered poison ivy to be an ornamental plant, possibly because of its dramatic fall color.^[1]

Jefferson outlined elaborate plans for the grounds at Monticello in his 1771 account book and in his garden book. Under "The Open Ground on the West. A shrubbery," he included "Poison oak" under "Trees." This is probably a reference to poison ivy, perhaps categorized with trees because it is often found climbing up tree trunks. Jefferson also listed other vines under the same heading, including honeysuckle and "jessamine."^[2]

Further Sources

• Boyd, Jane E. and Joseph Rucker. "No Ill Nature: The Surprising History and Science of Poison Ivy and Its Relatives." Distillations (Summer 2013).
• Missouri Botanical Garden. "Toxicodendron radicans." More detailed information about the plant.