Plants rarely dominate large areas but may become locally abundant in mesic sites with moderate amounts of sunlight such as rills, ravines, edges of waterfalls, creekbanks, streambottoms, river terraces, and floodplains. It occurs on a variety of soils. In the East typically occupies mesic sites but is also commonly found on rocky fields, pastures, talus slopes, precipices, gypsum cliffs, and slatey ledges. A successional species in a variety of plant communities throughout its range. Well adapted to disturbance by fire.
Plants resprout via an extensive rhizome system following cool fires.
Postfire regeneration may also involve seedling establishment from off-site seeds which are dispersed by birds and mammals. Ever since then, there has been confusion regarding this plant and its cousins. Although contact often causes a debilitating rash in humans, wildlife and livestock can browse without any ill effects. Plants, however, are only sparsely browsed by either livestock or wildlife. A milky oil in the phloem of Poison Ivy may cause blistering of human skin within a few hours of contact.