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| Photo Credit: Donna Moramarco |
| Poison ivy grows as easily on tree trunks as it does on fences. |
It’s too bad poison ivy has such a bad reputation! I actually consider the plant to be an attractive vine, with its glossy green leaves and bright fall color. But let’s just say I learned my lesson about poison ivy years ago. The entire plant – roots, leaves, berries and all – contains poisonous oil called urushiol, which can cause allergic reactions for most people. (I guess I’m “most people!”)
Poison ivy is a lush, fast-growing vine that can be found just about anywhere east of the Rockies. You can spot it growing in shady or sunny areas, along roadsides and up the trunks of trees. Even the best of gardens and landscapes have been known to have a poison ivy vine or two lurking. (You can thank the birds that drop its seed everywhere for that.)
So how do you deal with poison ivy on your property? You can start by properly identifying it. What does poison ivy look like? You may have heard the age-old saying, “Leaves of three, let them be.” The leaf of poison ivy is actually a compound leaf made up of three leaflets. When you look at a leaf, you’ll notice two shorter leaflets on either side of a long leaflet in the center. The leaf edges (also called margins) can be smooth, lobed or irregularly toothed. New spring growth is red, maturing to green during summer. Fall color can be yellow, orange or red. If you’re still not sure what the plant is when you first notice it, snip a cutting and put it in a sealed plastic bag. Bring the sample to your local garden center for identification.
If you’re allergic to poison ivy, it’s best to keep your distance. And if you don’t know if you’re allergic to it, it’s still wise to keep your distance. Protective gear – gloves and all clothing – need to be handled carefully after you’ve been around the plant. The oil can be on the fabric of the clothing, so laundering with a heavy-duty detergent and thorough rinsing is in order. And if your dog and/or cat has been hanging out in the poison ivy patch, beware of the oil on their fur! Your veterinarian or pet shop should be contacted before you “treat” your pet.
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| Facts |
- For many years, plant taxonomists called poison ivy by its scientific name, Rhus radicans. Fast-forward to the 21st century – “plant people” now refer to it as Toxicodendron radicans. If there’s one common name that everyone understands, though, it would be poison ivy!
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| Tips |
- Before you jump to conclusions and assume you’ve got poison ivy in your garden, have your “plant-in-question” identified first. Then you can chart a proper course of action!
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| Definitions |
- Urushiol: the poisonous oil found in poison ivy. It’s found in the entire plant, from roots to berries.
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| Faqs |
- Q: My arms are covered with a poison ivy rash. Can my children catch it from me?
A: No. Poison ivy isn’t contagious that way. Your kids would have to come in direct contact with urushiol.
- Q: I continually scratch my poison ivy blisters, am I spreading it?
A: No, you’re not spreading it. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about creams that may offer some relief.
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| Tools |
- If you decide to hand-pull (remember, this is grueling work), invest in a pair of nonabsorbing gloves. Avoid cotton ones – the urushiol will eventually soak right through.
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