Poison Ivy (Rhus radicans)
Three shiny leaflets Small, white, waxy berries Generally found twisting around another plant
One must admire Poison Ivy. It apparently can live anywhere and survive anything. Beware—for it occurs in patches on the beach. It is very poisonous to the touch, and the best course is to wash thoroughly with a strong soap if you come into contact with it. Some of the worst cases of ivy poisoning may originate at the beach just because people don’t expect to find it here.
Trees of the Dunes
Black Cherry (Prunus serotina)
Leaves finely toothed Twigs bitter when chewed Black cherries in hanging clusters
Cherries are usually considered lovers of rich soils, but this member of the family is quite common on the dunes. It is always contorted here, and frequently diseased, but still it survives. Generally it is found with large swellings on the branches caused by the black cherry knot fungus, since it is highly susceptible to this infection. The cherries are edible, and you may or may not enjoy them. Try one and see.
Quaking Aspen (Populus tremuloides)