How To Identify Poison Ivy

You may have heard an old saying, “Leaves of three let it be,” if you grew in a rural setting.

The purpose of this brief warning is to prevent you from brushing or touching the poison ivy. Why is this warning given? Urushiol (the oily sap from the leaves of this plant) can cause an allergic reaction or a rash.

You may be surprised to find that poison ivy grows in cracks on sidewalks, in vacant lots and other places around cities, beaches and suburbs. It is true that poison ivy grows in all states except Alaska and Hawaii.

Here’s everything you need to avoid poison ivy, and identify it.

How to identify poison Ivy

The appearance of poison ivy changes with each stage of its growth cycle. What to look out for at all times.

Spring is here

The leaves of poison ivy may turn red, or even a mix of red and green when they begin to bloom in the spring. Many people mistake these early blooming leaves for sumac, which has red leaves.

In spring, green flower buds will appear and open slowly to white.

Summer is here

Older leaves will turn green as the poison ivy matures, while new growth will remain red.

The small, off-white berries of poison ivy are hidden by the leaves. However, if you look carefully you will see that they grow on stems.

The size of the leaves can range from small to large.

Variations in shape are also noticeable. Some poison ivy can mimic other plants, such as Virginia creeper and oak leaves, by having deeply ridged edges.

Individual plants may grow quite high. If not removed, poison-ivy vines can overtake outdoor structures. The poison ivy can spread over large areas of the ground.

The fall

The color of poison ivy changes to bright yellow, orange or red as the temperature falls and the days get shorter. The color is beautiful, but it’s still dangerous to touch.

Winter is coming

When it gets cold, the leaves of poison ivy turn deep red and then shrink.

The roots may become exposed or remain uncovered, and appear either completely hairless or completely bare. The roots can cause a rash and can grow longer by attaching to walls, trees or groundcover.

This is the time when you can see white berries exposed on the branches of poison ivy.

You may notice slender and bare poison ivy stems poking through the snow during winter.

Poison ivy vs. poison oak

Poison oak also contains urushiol – the oil which causes allergic reactions.

Poison oak is very similar to poison ivy. It has usually three leaves, but it can have up to seven per cluster. The leaves are either green or red.

The edges of the leaves of poison oak are often more deeply ridged than those on poison ivy. The leaves may have a slightly hairy texture or a textured appearance.

Poison ivy vs. poison sumac

Poison sumac contains urushiol as well and should not be handled.

The leaves of this plant always form larger clusters, 7 to 13, per stem. Poison sumac does not grow as a ground cover. It is much taller and looks more like a tree or shrub than poison ivy.

How to remove poison Ivy

You’ll need to remove poison ivy quickly and safely if it is growing around your home or in your yard. As important as the dos, it is also vital to know what not to do when removing poison ivy.

Don’t

• Even if you’ve never had an allergic reaction, it is important to remove the poison ivy stems, leaves, branches or roots with your hands.
• Burn poison ivy as urushiol is toxic when inhaled through smoke, steam or vapor

You can do this by clicking on the link below.

• Pull poison ivy out of the ground, and place it in a sealed plastic bag. Be sure to remove the root completely so that the plant doesn’t come back.
• Shower immediately after washing your clothes and hats in hot water.
• Kill poison ivy by spraying vinegar, dishwashing liquid, and salt (see below).

Spray a spray

1. Pour 1 gallon white vinegar and dissolve 1 cup coarse salt.
2. Heat the mixture to a liquefied state.
3. Add 8-10 drops of dishwashing detergent.
4. Spray or pour directly onto all poison ivy. Keep this mixture away from plants that you want to protect.

Information about poison ivy

Poison Ivy is a plant poison that can cause a rash with blisters and a burning sensation.

It is not possible to catch poison ivy by rubbing against a person or pet that has been in contact with it.

Urushiol is an oily, sappy irritation

Urushiol is an oily, sticky substance that can cause an allergic reaction or rash. It can remain on clothing for up to two years unless washed off.

Urushiol can be found in all parts of the poison ivy plants, including:

• Leaves
• Flowers
• Berries
• Roots
• Bark
• Branches

It can irritate the skin at any time of year

Because it is more prevalent in spring and summer, poison ivy tends to be associated with those seasons. Do not make the mistake to think that poison ivy is only irritating when it is in full bloom.

This plant is highly allergenic to most people throughout its entire life cycle, and even in winter.

There are many types of poison ivy

The two poison ivy types are Eastern and Western. Both are found in the United States, despite their different names. They interbreed. The following are some of the physical characteristics to remember:

• The three-leaf bunches of both types of poison ivy are on thin stems.
• The leaves of the ferns can be any color, from red to green or orange. Their shape can also change.
• They can be rounded or pointed. The edges can be jagged or smooth.
• The berries on poison ivy are a dull white. Also, they produce tiny white flowers.
• Eastern poison ivy is found both as a climbing and a ground vine. Western poison ivy is only a ground plant.
• Some poison ivy plants can reach such heights and become so dense that they resemble a small shrub or tree.

What do you do if your skin rash?

• The poison-ivy rash can appear from 12 hours up to several days following urushiol exposure.
• If you have been exposed to poison ivy and you are aware of it, you should remove all clothing, wear disposable gloves, then wash your skin.
• Use an antihistamine to help reduce the allergic reaction and itching.
• Apply hydrocortisone or calamine cream to affected skin areas.
• Continue to soothe the skin using colloidal oatmeal compresses or baths.
• Avoid scratching.
• Consult your doctor if your symptoms are severe.

Key Takeaways

Other plants also have three-leaved leaves, including poison ivy. Stay away if you suspect it’s poison ivy!

By touching the plant, or coming in contact with something with urushiol you can be exposed.

All seasons of the year can be affected by poison ivy, including spring and summer.