Poison Ivy - Wind Cave national park

Toxicodendron radicans - native;
Blooms April - June;
A common shrub throughout the park. The plant always has three leaves that are usually shiny and normally grows in patches. In the fall, the leaves turn bright red. While it is usually low growing, it can also grow as a vine or bush. All parts of the plant produce an oil that can cause an itchy red rash up to a week after contact. The oils are present even after the leaves have fallen off the plant in the fall. Some people are more allergic to the oil than others. Wash affected areas with soap and water as soon as possible to avoid a rash.