Toxicodendron radicans: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 03:54, 26 April 2007

Revision as of 12:54, 27 April 2007

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==Characteristic appearance==

The [[Leaf|leaves]] are compound with three [[almond]]-shaped leaflets, giving rise to the [[mnemonic]], "Leaves of three, let it be". The [[berries]] (actually [[drupe]]s) are a grayish-white color and are a favorite winter food of some birds. Hence the [[mnemonic]],

<blockquote>"Leaves of three, let it be; berries white, danger in sight."</blockquote>

The color ranges from light green (usually the younger leaves) to dark green (mature leaves), turning bright red in [[Autumn|fall]]. The leaflets are 3-12&nbsp;cm long, rarely up to 30&nbsp;cm. Each leaflet has a few or no teeth along its edge, and the leaf surface is smooth. To compare, [[blackberry]] and [[raspberry]] leaves also come in threes, but they have many teeth along the leaf edge, and the top surface of their leaves are very wrinkled where the veins are. The stem and vine are brown and woody, while blackberry stems are green with thorns.