How do you tell what poison ivy plants look like?

Poison ivy plants typically have three leaflets per leaf, with the center leaflet being longer than the side ones. The leaves can be glossy or dull and may appear green in summer, turning red or orange in the fall. The plant can grow as a vine, shrub, or ground cover, and often has a hairy appearance due to fine hairs on the stems. Remember the adage: "Leaves of three, let them be" to help identify and avoid it.