Skip to main content
← Plants for Bees
Poison Ivy
Poison Ivy botanical plate
Field guide plate · click to zoom

Poison Ivy

Toxicodendron radicans

Honeybees forage on poison ivy for abundant nectar and pollen during late spring to early summer, providing a significant early-season resource that can contribute to honey surplus in native ranges. Peak bloom typically spans May to July. Although urushiol in the plant irritates human skin, it does not harm bees or taint their honey, but beekeepers must exercise caution to avoid contact.

Nectarhigh
Pollenhigh
BloomMay–July
USDA zones3-10
TypePerennial
Sunpartial
NativeEastern North America
BeeAI — Ask the old beekeeper
Hey there, honey. Ask me anything about your bees.