What is poison ivy's uses?

Control, decoration, and food are poison ivy's purpose in the natural world. The wild herbaceous plant in question (Toxicodendron radicans) functions as a deterrent to uncontrolled human traffic through its allergic reactions and therefore as a guardian of against compacted soils and environmental pollution (from human-dropped litter). It also serves as a landscape beautifier through its colorful berries -- which non-allergic wildlife enjoy consuming -- and fall colors.