Poison Ivy! The name strikes fear in the hearts of many. But don’t let this plant keep you from enjoying the outdoors.
Poison Ivy grows just about anywhere, including wet or dry woods, fields, fencerows, and gravel bars. It comes in many shapes and sizes, but usually is a vine or low shrub. The leaves typically have a glossy surface, and occur at the end of long leaf stems. In the fall, the leaves turn brilliant shades of red, orange and yellow. Remembering this jingle may help you identify the plant: “Leaves of three, let it be. Berries white, a poisonous sight.”
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Contact with an oil called urishol, found in all parts of the poison ivy plant, can cause a severe, itchy rash. The oil induced rash produces blisters accompanied by intense itching and burning. You don’t always have to touch the plant to contact the oil and develop the allergic reaction. The oil can stick to garden tools, boots and clothing, and dog or cat fur. It is also carried in the smoke of burning poison ivy.
If you think you’ve gotten into poison ivy, wash with cold water as soon as possible. You may still develop an itchy rash, but it may not be as severe.
Some people claim to be immune from poison ivy and do not break out with the rash. However, some people that have been immune to it their entire lives can suddenly develop an allergy to its toxic oil. I have witnessed people pulling the plant out by its roots and not have a single blister afterwards. I have also witnessed people that have developed a severe rash after touching clothes that had the oil on them. My advice is to be proactive when dealing with poison ivy. If you think you have been exposed, wash with cold, soapy water as soon as possible.
Poison ivy has long been confused with several other plants and vines. The most common vine people shy away from is called Virginia Creeper. This vine is commonly seen climbing fences, trees and walls of old buildings. Many times, Virginia Creeper and poison ivy are found climbing the same tree. The main difference is the number of leaves. Virginia Creeper has five leaves. Another form of the previously mentioned jingle goes like this “Leaves of three, let it be. Leaves of five, let it thrive.”
Many people have argued with me that Virginia Creeper is actually poison oak. They believe that the harmless vine is actually a more potent cousin of poison ivy. I try to dispel these beliefs by plucking a leaf from the Virginia Creeper vine and rubbing it on my arms, face and neck. Virginia Creeper does not contain the toxic oil that poison ivy and poison oak have. Most people that live in Missouri have never seen poison oak because of its limited range and habitat. poison oak is only found in a few places in extreme southern Missouri. Besides that, poison oak also has three leaves, not five.
When I was walking along a path on our property with my daughters the other day, my oldest daughter asked me, “Why do we have poison ivy? It’s not good for anything and just makes people itch.” I explained to her that, in spite of its bad reputation, the poison ivy plant has a redeeming value as important wildlife food. Deer browse on the leaves, and its fruits are a real treat for animals such as grouse, quail, wood ducks, squirrels and many songbirds.
Remember; don’t stay indoors all summer just because you don’t want to get itchy from poison Ivy. Be aware of where you are, know what it looks like and avoid touching the plant. If you come in contact with it, simply wash with cold water and soap and continue on you way.