POISON IVY

A Closer Look at Toxicodendron Radicans

 It’s Native…

That’s right! Poison ivy is a native species and is in the same family as pistachios and cashews. It’s not a true ivy, but can grow as a crawling vine on the ground or climb trees.

Appearance…

It can vary in appearance, but what remains the same are those rhymes that warn you away from them. That is, “hairy vine” and “leaves of three.”

Autumnal foliage can help you identify it in the fall. It can be quite beautiful to look at on a hike. Be aware that you can still get poison ivy rashes in the dead of winter if you touch the vines.

It’s Edible…

Birds love to eat the berries.

Poison Ivy & You…

Most of us don’t have a great relationship with this plant. It creates an incredibly uncomfortable rash for up to three weeks. Only mammals without fur really get the rash. It is caused by the oils that are on the leaves called urushiol.

We can make the yard a safer place to play soccer and let your dog out. If you are concerned about its presence near you, we can take the guesswork out by spotting it for you. Also, a simple herbicide spray can eradicate this plant from the edge of your yard. Just remember that it has its place in the world.