Is this poison ivy? Yes, it is. Poison Ivy causes a severe rash and itch when skin makes contact with a Poison Ivy plant. The wicked itch and bothersome rash are the result of urushiol oil, a potent toxin. Get as little as one-billionth of a gram on your skin and you might be scratching yourself silly. And a lot more than that billionth of a gram is released when the plant is disturbed through direct contact with its stem, leaves or roots. The best way to avoid getting poison ivy is to avoid the plant altogether. Memorize what poison ivy looks like and you will know what to avoid the next time you are camping and are exloring during free time. At Haliburton you will be doing lots of this. Do yourself a favour and not get itchy! This is all poison ivy. Poison Ivy growing wild.