POISON IVY: Leaflets of three, let it be!
(for lookalikes see bottom photo)
Description:
Consistently has three leaflets with smooth, wavy or serrated edges; leaflets are alternate on the stem; clusters of whitish flowers and fruit are not showy
Growth Habits:
Persistent deciduous perennial; young plants can be 1’-2’ tall and are herbaceous; mature plants can be woody and cover hundreds of square feet; can grow to be vine-like, shrubby or a ground cover; vine attaches to any object that will support it; spreads by rhizomes and seeds
Growing Preferences:
Prefers fertile, well-drained soil; most common in shady areas
POISON IVY with lobe variation,
flowers,
new growth
Problem:
Oily resin can cause severe itching, skin inflammation and blisters; oil can bond on to the skin within 20 minutes of exposure and stay active on some surfaces for up to five years; allergic reaction may take as little as four hours or up to 10 days; three out of four people will have some type of reaction within 24-72 hours. IF EYES SWELL SHUT, SEE A DOCTOR
Rash Prevention:
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Prevent rashes by avoiding contact with the plant
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Wear gloves, long sleeves and pants
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Preventative blockers are available pre-exposure; special cleansers may help after exposure
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Avoid indirect contact- the oil can stay active for 1 to 5 years on clothing and equipment
Treatment:
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If you come in contact with the plant, wash the oil from your skin with cold water within 20 minutes of exposure
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Try over-the-counter anti-itch products for minor itching or swelling or check with your pharmacist
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If case is severe, consult with your doctor
Least Toxic Solutions
Physically Remove the Plant
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It is best to pull small plants when soil is moist – grab plants through a plastic bag and turn inside out over the plant
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Smother small plants with mulch
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If vine is growing up into a tree, sever vine at ground level
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Use a sharp shovel or grubbing tool to remove established plant roots
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Do not mow or string trim plants
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Salt is not recommended to kill the plants – the quantity necessary would stay in the soil and continue to kill anything planted until leached away
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Bag or bury the vegetation that is removed (do not burn foliage – may cause severe injury if inhaled)
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Might take persistence!
If you must use an herbicide…
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Use herbicide as a last resort
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Follow label instructions carefully
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Don’t use herbicide right before a rain – it can run off to harm our creeks
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Apply post-emergent product when plants are actively growing for best results
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Use a wiper applicator, weed wand or a foam formulation designed to apply herbicide directly on the vegetation to minimize drifting
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May require a series of applications
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Consult with your Extension agent or nursery professional for more information
CLICK for Poison Ivy lookalikes
and PET INFORMATION
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Source:
http://austintexas.gov/sites/default/files/files/Watershed/growgreen/poisonivy.pdf
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Content and copyright permission generously granted by:
Austin Grow Green: www.growgreen.org, who works in close association with:
Texas AgriLife Extension Service: http://agrilifeextension.tamu.edu
Marjory Wildcraft is an Expedition Leader and Bioneer Blogger with The [Grow] Network, which is an online community that recognizes the wisdom of “homegrown food on every table.” Marjory has been featured as an expert on sustainable living by National Geographic, she is a speaker at Mother Earth News fairs, and is a returning guest on Coast to Coast AM. She is an author of several books, but is best known for her “Grow Your Own Groceries” video series, which is used by more than 300,000 homesteaders, survivalists, universities, and missionary organizations around the world.
