December 20, 2025

These are drupes of Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron radicans). A drupe is a succulent fruit surrounded with a very thin outer skin. Within that succulent fruit is a hard pit that contains a single seed. Other examples of drupes are: Peaches, Plums, Cherries, Apricots, Olives, also Avocados. And surprising to realize, Coconuts, Almonds, Pecans and Walnuts are also drupes.

Poison Ivy drupes are a vital winter food source for over sixty species of birds. I often see many different species of Wood Peckers enjoying them.

_______________________

If you would like to receive my daily blog posts by email, sign up here!