AQUIFOLIACEAE 161 



pound, 3-foliate leaves are variable in size, shape, texture and 

 pubescence, being generally 6 to 14 inches long and on petioles 

 up to 6 inches long. The blades are ovate to rhombic, and 

 acuminate or short-acuminate at the apex, the lateral ones on 

 short stalks, the terminal one on a definitely longer stalk. The 

 terminal leaflet is rounded at the base or sometimes narrowed; 

 the lateral ones are asymmetrical and oblique, although more 

 or less rounded, at the base; and the margins are either entire 

 or provided with 1 to several coarse teeth. Rarely, the leaflets 

 are lobed. The surfaces are pubescent on unfolding but become 

 glabrous in varying degrees at maturity, remaining pubescent 

 at least on the principal veins. 



The greenish flowers appear in loose axillary panicles from 

 the last of May on into June. The fruit, w^hich matures from 

 the last of August on through October, is somewhat flattened- 

 globose, pale green to almost colorless, and usually smooth, 

 though sometimes more or less densely covered with hairs; and 

 the flattened small seed has a groove near the middle across 

 the shortest diameter. 



Distribution. — Poison Ivy is well adapted to almost any 

 kind of habitat and is becoming increasingly common through- 

 out its range, which extends from Nova Scotia to British 

 Columbia and south to Florida and Mexico. In Illinois, it is 

 an expected and generally abundant vine of deep woods, as 

 well as a common and troublesome weed of roadsides and 

 other waste places. 



Persons who suspect, or know, they are susceptible to ivy 

 poisoning should become familiar enough with this plant to 

 be able to avoid it. The white lac in the leaves, stems and 

 fruit contains a poisonous principle known as toxicodendrol, 

 which causes severe inflammation of the skin. But poisoning 

 often can be prevented by washing the skin thoroughly with 

 soap and water after exposure. A vanishing cream containing 

 sodium perborate is said to give protection if applied to the skin 

 before it is exposed to the poison. 



AQUIFOLIACEAE 



The Holly Family 



The holly family consists of shrubs or trees with alternate, 

 often evergreen, leaves without stipules. The flowers are per- 



