Ubiquitous plant of Alabama's woodlands and backyards that everyone SHOULD recognize immediately. Causes an irritating, itching rash within hours of contact with skin or clothing for most people. Can even irritate the lungs and eyes when the plant is burned and the smoke is inhaled. Curiously, some people (myself included) have little reaction to the plant, and the only case of poison ivy that I have had came from contact with the species in California! Botanically speaking, Poison Ivy and Poison Oak are the same plant and the only difference is in the growth habits of the plants.