

- May 1, 2022
Leaves of Three
Remember the old adage, leaves of three, let it be OR leaflets three, quickly flee? These proverbs were meant to help identify poison ivy (above pic) but they contribute to confusion since many plants we encounter are trifoliate (i.e., a compound leaf with three parts or leaflets). The confusion frequently involves another common woody native, boxelder. Why? Frankly it is a novice mistake since the two species are quite different. Let's distinguish and discuss them. Boxelder