How To Recognize and Remove Poison Ivy

Can You Recognize Poison Ivy?

Toxicodendron radicans is the botanical name for what is commonly referred to as poison ivy.  Do you know how to recognize poison ivy? Most people are highly allergic but have no idea what it looks like. Quite often, it is mistaken for many other plants that are harmless or pose little threat to humans. Poison Ivy can be found in many public parks, recreational sites and in places where you would not expect to find it. Most people already have poison ivy growing in their own backyard but have no idea. The reason being is that the seeds, which are high in protein are spread by birds. After the plant propagates, the woody vine clings tightly to tree trunks and can be extremely difficult to remove at that point. So, how do you recognize it and more importantly, how do you remove it?

All Plant Parts Can Be Dangerous!

All parts of the plant during all seasons can be dangerous if the plant’s sap comes into contact with your skin. Severe skin irritations upon contact can occur or can take several hours in some cases. Symptoms include severe skin redness, itching, swelling, and blisters following direct or indirect contact. The toxic principle of poison ivy is an oil called urushiol.

Tips For Avoiding Urushiol

There is an old saying, “leaves of three, let them be!”  While this is a good thing to remember, you can get poison ivy without touching the plant directly.  Touching the leaves on poison ivy will definitely result in a rash if you are allergic.  However, there are some fortunate people who have no reaction whatsoever. Some of the most common ways to avoid contact with urushiol are as follows:

• Clean all gardening tools and mowers after every use. Even during the winter, the oil is potent! Contact with dirty tools that have come into contact with the plant can spread the oil.
• Always wear long sleeves and pants.
• Always wear shoes, sneakers or boots. Make sure the laces are tied.
• Do not burn poison ivy. It can be deadly if it gets into your lungs or bronchial passage. Firefighters and landscape workers are especially at risk for this type of danger.
• Do not touch your face or other exposed skin with your gloves while gardening. This is an easy way to spread the oil.
• Animals are not affected by the oil. However, rubbing your animal companion’s fur can expose you to urushiol.
• Bathe immediately after gardening or being outdoors. Use a heavy duty soap that will remove grease if you think you have come into contact with poison ivy.  If you do not have a soap made for removing urushiol, use a strong dish detergent like Dawn. However, it is best to have a cleanser available to prevent painful rashes which poison ivy causes.

Jewelweed: Nature’s Remedy!

Impatiens capensis Meerb or Jewelweed as it is commonly named, is nature’s antidote for poison ivy. According to Wildflower.org, the stem juice is said to relieve itching from poison ivy and has also been used to treat athletes foot. Scientific data confirm the fungicidal qualities.

Other names for Jewelweed: Orange Jewelweed, Spotted Touch-Me-Not

Pollinators attracted: Birds, Hummingbirds, Butterflies, Bumblebees

Dangers: Berries are toxic to humans

Map Of Poison Ivy

Toxicodendron radicans (L.) Kuntze, eastern poison ivy, is commonly found in the regions on the map. However, there is r varieties that can be found on the west coast. The map below, created by USDA, NRCS, shows the eastern region where it can be found. In the state of Minnesota, this species is restricted as a state noxious weed.

Toxicodendron rydbergii (Small ex Rydb.) Greene, western poison ivy is shown below.

Don’t Fear The Creeper!

Virginia Creeper, Parthenocissus quinquefolia is commonly mistaken for poison ivy. However, there are significant differences between the two species.

According to USDA, Natural Resources Conservation Services, Virginia creeper is a native, woody, deciduous vine that climbs to a height of 60 feet on trees, poles or other structures, or forms a blanket of foliage up to 12 inches high along the ground.  Stems are orange brown, finely hairy with branched tendrils that end in adhesive discs.  The leaves are alternate and compound with 5, or rarely 3, leaflets that turn bright red in autumn.  The leaflets are pointed, coarse-toothed and grow to 6 inches long.  Inconspicuous green flowers borne in clusters during the spring are followed by a cluster of ¼-inch bluish black berries.

Interesting Facts About Virginia Creeper

Virginia creeper is often cultivated as an ornamental because of its attractive foliage.  The bark has been used in domestic medicines as a tonic, expectorant and remedy for dropsy.

This species can be useful groundcover for erosion control and watershed protection, particularly in shaded areas.

Listen To The Interview

In this segment of The Organic View Radio Show, host, June Stoyer talks to Dr. Doug Tallamy, Professor & Chair of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology, Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology from the University of Delaware about what you need to know when it comes to recognizing and removing poison ivy! To listen to the interview, press the play button below.

Meet Dr. Doug Tallamy

Dr. Doug Tallamy is currently Professor & Chair of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology, Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Delaware in Newark, Delaware.

Dr. Tallamy teaches insect taxonomy, behavioral ecology, and other subjects. One of his key research goals is to better understand the many ways insects interact with plants and how such interactions determine the diversity of animal communities.

Dr. Tallamy won the Silver Medal from the Garden Writer’s Association for his book, Bringing Nature Home.