Leaves of Three Let it Be

Poison ivy - has an oil that causes skin irritation. Avoid contact. 

  Many homeowners sometimes have an unpleasant encounter with poison ivy. The plant can produce a painful rash that can last for weeks. Frequently, they do not know how to identify the plant.  Once they realize poison ivy is on their property, several methods of control are available.

      Poison ivy is a woody perennial vine or shrub commonly found growing in the forest, along the roadsides, and in the home landscape. The vine is frequently observed climbing trees or other structures. It causes thousands of cases of contact dermatitis (redness, rash, blisters, itching) each year. Everyone working outdoors needs to be familiar with the appearance of the plant. The leaves are soft and arranged alternately on the stem. 

       Each compound leaf consists of three bright green shiny, elliptically shaped leaflets. The small stems between the leaflets have a reddish coloring. Also, mature poison ivy plants ivy have small white berries that are spread by birds. 

Virginia creeper looks similar to poison ivy but
has five leaflets. It is not poisonous.

       All parts of the plant (stems, roots, flowers, and fruit) are poisonous. Even when the leaves have fallen during winter, the bare stems can still cause a rash to anyone who comes into contact with it. The plant contains toxic colorless oil that causes skin irritation. People are often exposed to it when they brush against the plant and bruise the leaves, getting the oil on their skin. Some are highly allergic to it, while others are not quite as sensitive. The toxin can also be spread by equipment, clothing, or animals that come in contact with the plant. If poison ivy is burned, the smoke will carry the oils and harm anyone exposed to the smoke or inhale it. 

      Symptoms usually appear within 12 to 48 hours. If contact with the plant is suspected, wash the affected area with cold water and soap as soon as possible. Avoid using warm water since it will spread the irritating oil on the skin. Rubbing alcohol is also a remedy. Only the toxin can spread the rash, not the fluid contained in the blisters. There are many ointments and lotions that can treat the affected skin. For more severe cases, consult a physician. 

      What should homeowners do to get rid of poison ivy? Continually cutting or mowing the plant will eventually reduce its population. Digging out the individual poison ivy plants from the roots is useful, especially in beds of ornamental plants. When doing so, always wear protective gloves and long sleeve shirts. Wash all clothes thoroughly afterward. 

      The application of herbicides can also control poison ivy. Because it has an extensive root system, two or more applications may be necessary. Several herbicides are useful for managing it, such as Roundup or others labeled for controlling brushy weeds. For best results, apply them on warm sunny days to actively growing plants. Use caution when spraying around desirable plants since misapplication and wind drift could cause damage to them. As with any pesticide, follow all label directions and safety precautions. 

     Being familiar with the appearance of poison ivy will help reduce the likelihood of exposure. It is wise to follow the old saying: “leaves of three let it be.”