Does poison ivy change color in autumn. How can you identify poison ivy during fall. What are the risks of poison ivy exposure in cooler months. How to prevent and treat poison ivy rashes year-round.

Identifying Poison Ivy: Key Characteristics and Seasonal Changes

Poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) is a notorious plant that can cause severe allergic reactions in many people. While it’s often associated with spring and summer, poison ivy remains a threat year-round, including during the fall season. Understanding how to identify this plant as it changes with the seasons is crucial for avoiding painful rashes and other complications.

The “Leaves of Three” Rule

The most well-known identifying feature of poison ivy is its leaf arrangement. The phrase “Leaves of three, let it be” serves as a helpful reminder, but it’s important to note that this rule alone isn’t sufficient for positive identification. Each poison ivy leaf cluster consists of three leaflets, with the middle leaflet having a slightly longer stem than the two side leaflets.

Leaf Characteristics

Poison ivy leaflets typically have the following features:

• Length: Usually 2-5 inches, but can grow up to 6 inches or more
• Shape: Approximately twice as long as they are wide
• Edges: Can be smooth, lobed, or toothed
• Symmetry: May or may not be symmetrical
• Surface: Can appear shiny or dull

Fall Color Changes

Does poison ivy change color in the fall? Yes, poison ivy leaves are among the first to change color as autumn approaches. The leaves can turn vibrant shades of red, orange, or yellow, making them particularly attractive and potentially deceptive to unsuspecting observers. This autumnal transformation can make poison ivy harder to identify for those accustomed to its summer appearance.

Geographic Distribution and Growth Patterns of Poison Ivy

Poison ivy is widespread throughout North America, with two main varieties: eastern and western poison ivy. Both types can be found in diverse environments, from forests and wetlands to urban areas like parks and roadsides.

Preferred Habitats

Where is poison ivy commonly found? This adaptable plant thrives in various settings, including:

• Forest edges
• Wetland areas
• Beaches
• Stream banks
• Urban parks
• Residential yards
• Roadsides

Poison ivy prefers partially shaded areas and often flourishes in disturbed landscapes, such as along trail edges or in recently cleared land.

Growth Habits

How does poison ivy grow and spread? The plant exhibits different growth patterns depending on its variety and environment:

• Ground cover: Both eastern and western varieties can spread along the ground
• Climbing vine: Eastern poison ivy can climb trees, walls, and other structures using hairy rootlets
• Shrub-like growth: In some cases, poison ivy may form small, shrub-like clusters

The Science Behind Poison Ivy’s Allergenic Properties

The source of poison ivy’s infamous rash-inducing capability is a compound called urushiol, an oily resin found throughout the plant. Understanding how urushiol affects the body is key to appreciating the risks associated with poison ivy exposure.

What is Urushiol?

Urushiol is an organic compound present in the leaves, stems, and roots of poison ivy plants. This sticky, colorless oil is responsible for the allergic reactions experienced by most people who come into contact with poison ivy.

Allergic Reaction Mechanisms

How does urushiol cause an allergic reaction? When urushiol comes into contact with skin, it triggers an immune response in most individuals. This response typically manifests as an itchy, blistering rash that can appear within hours or up to several days after exposure.

Seasonal Risks: Poison Ivy Exposure in Fall

While poison ivy is often considered a summer hazard, the risks persist into the fall season. In fact, autumn can present unique challenges when it comes to avoiding poison ivy exposure.

Increased Camouflage

As poison ivy leaves change color in the fall, they can blend in more easily with other autumn foliage. This increased camouflage may lead to accidental contact, especially for hikers, gardeners, or outdoor enthusiasts who are less vigilant during cooler months.

Leaf Litter Dangers

Fallen poison ivy leaves retain their allergenic properties even after they’ve detached from the plant. Raking or handling leaf litter containing poison ivy leaves can lead to exposure, making yard work potentially risky in areas where the plant is present.

Bare-Stem Risks

Even after poison ivy leaves have fallen, the plant’s stems and vines still contain urushiol. Bare vines clinging to trees or structures can cause reactions if touched, a risk that may be overlooked when the distinctive leaves are absent.

Prevention Strategies: Avoiding Poison Ivy Year-Round

Preventing contact with poison ivy is the best way to avoid its unpleasant effects. By adopting certain strategies and habits, you can significantly reduce your risk of exposure throughout the year.

Identification and Awareness

How can you protect yourself from poison ivy exposure? The first step is to learn to identify the plant in all seasons. Familiarize yourself with poison ivy’s appearance, including its fall colors and winter characteristics. Stay alert when in areas where poison ivy is likely to grow.

Protective Clothing

When venturing into areas where poison ivy may be present, wear appropriate clothing:

• Long sleeves and pants
• Closed-toe shoes or boots
• Gloves when working with plants or soil

Barrier Products

Consider using over-the-counter barrier creams containing bentoquatam. These products can help prevent urushiol from penetrating the skin if contact occurs.

Pet Precautions

Remember that pets can carry urushiol on their fur after brushing against poison ivy. Bathe pets that may have been exposed to prevent indirect contact with the oil.

Treatment Options for Poison Ivy Rashes

Despite best efforts at prevention, exposure to poison ivy can still occur. Knowing how to treat a poison ivy rash can help alleviate symptoms and promote faster healing.

Immediate Actions

What should you do immediately after potential poison ivy exposure?

1. Rinse the affected area thoroughly with lukewarm water and mild soap
2. Wash all clothing, shoes, and tools that may have come into contact with the plant
3. Avoid scratching the affected area to prevent infection

Home Remedies

For mild cases, several home treatments can provide relief:

• Cool compresses
• Calamine lotion
• Over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream
• Oral antihistamines to reduce itching

When to Seek Medical Attention

In some cases, professional medical care may be necessary. Consult a healthcare provider if:

• The rash is severe or widespread
• You experience facial or genital swelling
• You have difficulty breathing
• The rash shows signs of infection (increased pain, pus, or fever)
• Symptoms persist for more than two weeks

Environmental Impact and Management of Poison Ivy

While poison ivy can be a nuisance for humans, it plays a role in local ecosystems. Understanding its ecological function and management options is important for landowners and conservationists alike.

Ecological Role

Poison ivy serves several functions in its native habitats:

• Provides food for wildlife, including birds that eat its berries
• Offers cover and nesting sites for small animals
• Contributes to erosion control with its extensive root system

Control Methods

For those who need to manage poison ivy on their property, several control methods are available:

• Manual removal (with proper protection)
• Herbicide application
• Repeated cutting or mowing to deplete the plant’s energy reserves

It’s important to note that burning poison ivy is never recommended, as the smoke can carry urushiol particles and cause severe respiratory reactions if inhaled.

Sustainable Management

When managing poison ivy, consider the following sustainable practices:

• Use targeted removal methods to minimize impact on surrounding vegetation
• Choose organic or low-impact control methods when possible
• Replant cleared areas with native, non-allergenic species to prevent erosion and maintain habitat value

By understanding poison ivy’s characteristics, risks, and management strategies, you can better navigate outdoor spaces throughout the year. Remember that while the plant’s autumn colors may be attractive, caution is always warranted when dealing with this potentially harmful species. Stay informed, stay protected, and enjoy the changing seasons safely.

What Does Poison Ivy Look Like?

Poison ivy, the notorious cause of itchy, blistery rashes, grows throughout the continental United States and much of Canada. (1)

The plant can be found in forests and wetlands, on beaches, and along streams, as well as in urban settings such as parks, yards, and along roads. Poison ivy prefers partial sunlight, so it often grows where the land has been disturbed, such as along the edges of trails, fields, or landscaping.

There are two types of poison ivy — eastern and western — which have somewhat different geographic ranges but which look very similar and sometimes interbreed where their ranges overlap. (2)

Both types of poison ivy spread along the ground, and eastern poison ivy also climbs trees, shrubs, walls, fences, and other structures, clinging to its host with hairy rootlets and sometimes sending out horizontal branches.

Leaves of Three …

Most people know the phrase “Leaves of three, let it be,” but many plants have leaves that grow in clusters of three, so it helps to know a bit more about the physical appearance of poison ivy.

Each poison ivy leaf (or, more accurately, leaflet) has a small leaf stem at its base, attaching it to a stalk or small branch that connects to the main poison ivy vine. The leaflet in the middle of the threesome usually has a longer leaf stem than the two side leaflets.

Poison ivy leaflets are about twice as long as they are wide. They are typically two to five inches long but may reach six or more inches if conditions are right.

Poison ivy leaves may be smooth-edged or may have lobes or teeth. The two sides of the leaf may or may not be symmetrical.

Leaves may be red or green, shiny or dull. The plants may have flower buds, flowers, or berries in dense clusters close to the vine.

… Let It Be

According to the American Skin Association, as many as 50 million Americans have a poison ivy reaction each year. (3)

The cause of poison ivy reactions is urushiol, an oily resin that’s found in the leaves, stems, and roots of the poison ivy plant; most people are allergic to it.

Urushiol sticks to skin, clothing, fur, gardening tools, and other surfaces when it comes into contact with them.

Washing the oil off your skin immediately after contact may prevent a rash from developing. Soap and water is effective, as are commercial poison ivy washes, but the key in either case is to wash the oil off quickly, before the allergic reaction begins.

Following contact — or even potential contact — with poison ivy, you should also wash your clothing and footwear and any gear or equipment that could have touched the poison ivy plant. It’s also important to wash pets who may have gotten urushiol on their fur so they don’t pass it on to you.

Beware of poison ivy in the fall

01:20 pm September 18th, 2019

Poison oak leaves in the fall

While poison ivy is most dangerous in spring and summer, you may still get a rash this fall. Poison ivy leaves are among the first one to turn red in the fall and their beautiful colors can fool you. We asked our dermatologist Dr. Tania Phillips to give us a quick refresher on poison ivy rash, treatments and prevention.

What could happen if your skin is exposed to poison ivy?

After being exposed to poison oak, poison ivy or sumac, many people get a very itchy blistering rash. The rash is caused by uroshiol, an oil found in these plants. The rash occurs a few hours or up to a few days after exposure. Patients usually develop itchy red swollen skin, blisters and hives. The rash can be very itchy and can spread by direct contact through clothing or touching the plant, indirect contact such as through pets and gardening tools, and even by airborne contact when plants are burned.

How to treat a rash from poison ivy

• If the rash is severe, if there is swelling of your face or eyelids, or if you have trouble breathing or swallowing you should go to the emergency room.
• For milder rashes, the affected skin should be rinsed with warm soapy water.
• Clothing and any products that have been in contact with the plant should be washed well in hot soapy water.
• Cool compresses, calamine lotion, over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream and over-the-counter antihistamines will help relieve the symptoms.
• Try to leave the blisters alone as scratching can cause infections
• If your rash is not improving, see a board certified dermatologist.

How to prevent rashes from poison ivy

Try to avoid poison oak poison ivy and poison sumac altogether. Wear protective clothing including long sleeve shirts gloves long pants and boots. A skin cream called an ivy block barrier and containing bentoquatam, can be bought over-the-counter, and will help protect any exposed areas of skin.

While you may associate poison ivy with spring and summer, our dermatologists advise to remain on the lookout for poison ivy this fall. You may be tricked by their beautiful fall color while apple picking this season. Beware!

You may also like:
– How to prevent poison ivy rash, a springtime curse
– Dr. Kenneth Arndt on poison ivy for the Harvard Health Letter

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Identifying Poison Ivy, Poison Oak and Poison Sumac

If you’ve ever come home from a hike in the woods, or after working in your own yard, and found yourself covered with an itchy, red rash, you’ve probably encountered poison ivy, poison oak or poison sumac. 

The rash is painful, and it starts after you’ve brushed against any part of these plants. The leaves, vines and even the roots contain a natural oil called urushiol that causes allergic reactions in most people — up to 80 or 90 percent of us, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Worse, the rash is tough to get rid of. Although you can buy over-the-counter medications, or visit your doctor if you need something stronger, you can scratch until the rash turns into ugly bumps or oozing blisters that last for up to three weeks. Scientists say urushiol can cling to your clothes, shoes and garden tools for up to a year. Pets who wander through a patch of these poisonous plants won’t get the rash — but you can, if the oil is transferred from their fur to your skin.  

The best defense is a good offense. That is, it’s better to learn how to spot these unpleasant plants, than to accidentally touch them and have to treat the rash later. Remembering the old saying, “leaves of three, let it be” is a good place to start, although there are species of these plants with more than three leaflets.

Just be aware that not all plants with leaves in groups of three are poisonous. And although poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac often lurk in the woods, they can also grow in sunny areas. Use these tips to help you spot these bad boys of the plant world:

Poison ivy grows as a ground cover, a low shrub or even as a vine that scrambles up trees across most of the United States. The leaves start out solid green, in clusters of three per stem. 

They can be dull or glossy, and have pointed tips. Thin, aerial roots on the vines give them a fuzzy, or hairy, appearance.

In summer, the plants produce yellow-green flowers that are followed by whitish berries. By fall, the leaves become yellow and red. The CDC says that poison ivy grows across the U.S., except for California, Alaska and Hawaii. 

The leaves of this plant look a lot like oak leaves, and like poison ivy, they usually grow in clusters of three. But some kinds of poison oak have five, seven or nine leaves per cluster. 

Poison oak usually grows as a shrub in the Southeast or along the West Coast. It bears clusters of greenish yellow or white berries.

This plant likes to grow in swampy locations, and is often found along the Mississippi River or in boggy areas throughout the Southeast.  It also breaks the rule that says, “Leaves of three, let it be,” because it typically has seven to 13 leaflets arranged in pairs. 

The leaves sometimes have black or dark brown spots that are filled with urushiol. In autumn, the leaves turn red, yellow and pinkish. Poison sumac typically grows into a woody shrub with glossy cream or pale yellow berries. 

Once you’ve identified poison oak, poison ivy or poison sumac, you can pull them up if you are very careful to wear protective clothing, eyewear, gloves and shoes. But wash your clothes as soon as you’re finished, and rinse your washing machine thoroughly, to be sure all traces of the oil are removed. It’s easier to pull the plants when the soil is moist, but be aware that the plants will re-sprout from any root pieces that you miss. 

You can also spray the plants with an herbicide like Roundup. Read and follow the manufacturer’s directions, and be careful not to get the spray on your desirable plants. You may have to spray more than once. 
And whatever you do, don’t burn any parts of these plants. The smoke can carry urushiol into your lungs and cause serious health problems. Even people standing downwind from burning plants may be at risk.
When it comes to poison oak, ivy and sumac, it really is a jungle out there. Be careful!

Many other plants can be toxic to humans if ingested. While it’s unlikely that adults will try to eat or chew the following plants, it’s important to know they can be harmful and even fatal, particularly to children.  

While this is not a complete list, use caution when growing or handling these common plants in your home and garden: 

Plants can also poison pets and other animals. This is only a sampler of plants that are toxic to them. Visit the ASPCA for more information: 

How to Identify Poison Ivy [Illustrated Guide]

What does poison ivy look like? A simple guide to identifying poison ivy in the wild. Complete with 14 images and other confusing look-a-likes.

Updated: October 1st, 2020

* might-have (or seasonal indicator)

6 MUST-HAVES	(*MIGHT-HAVES)
1. 3 Leaves	Leaves glossy at the top
2. Alternating side shoots	Cream-colored berries
3. Pointy tips and jagged edges	5-petal greenish flowers
4. Middle leaf on a longer stem	Aerial roots
5. Reddish stem
6. No thorns

Compared to poison oak or sumac, poison ivy is the most common and widespread of the three popular toxic plants. Poison ivy can grow in forests, near water, and also in urban environments. It’s important to learn its telltale signs so you don’t accidentally come into contact with it. However, this may take some practice as poison ivy can be one tricky little transforming bugger.

Not only do its leaves change colors depending on the season, but the plant itself can grow in many forms like small shrubs, carpet-like ground coverings, or even climbing vines. In this post, we’re discussing specific features you can look for on this plant to effectively identify and steer clear of it.

How to Identify Poison Ivy?

Poison Ivy can be difficult to identify, however, there are a few details you can look for that will help you distinguish it from other plants. The following pictures of poison ivy will help identify each part of the plant and spot it easily next time you’re out on a hike.

Leaves: Always in Three, Jagged Edges, Pointy Tips, Middle Leaf on a Longer Stem

In order to remember how many leaves poison ivy has, there is a popular saying that goes “Leaves of three? Let it be.” This chant was created because poison ivy always comes in a set of three oval leaflets.

The leaves will have jagged edges, pointy tips, and can grow to a size of 2-5 inches long. The two side leaves branch directly off from the stem, while the middle leaf is larger with a protruding stem. The two side leaves can also resemble a mitten, having one defined, segregated point similar to the ‘thumb’ in a mitten. The veins in poison ivy are very prominent in all three leaves.

In early spring and summer, the leaves will appear red and have a glossy look. As the plant ages throughout the seasons, the leaves will change color and texture losing their initial glossy appearance. Where the leaves will appear red in spring, they turn green in summer and change to orange or yellow in the fall.

A poison ivy plant is at its highest poison concentration in early spring and summer. So can you get poison ivy in the winter? Sadly, yes. Even when winter comes around and the leaves die off, a poison ivy vine remains alive and poisonous. 

Stems: Alternating Side Shoots, Reddish, No ThOrns

Knowing what features to look for on the stems of poison ivy can be even more helpful than recognizing the details of its leaves. This is because where poison ivy’s leaves change depending on the season, the stems remain consistent.

The first notable characteristic of a poison ivy stem is that it has a reddish tint. Also, the stems holding the leaves will alternate on each side growing left then right, rather than branching off directly across from each other. The middle stem holding the largest leaf will also always be longer and more pronounced. Another detail to keep in mind is that poison ivy stems will never have thorns, but they will have small hair-like roots that grow off of the vines, as these roots help the plant to “climb.”

As for stem height, ground plants can grow up to 2 ft, bushes and shrubs 3 ft, and vines can reach up to 100 ft.

Wikimedia Commons by Kbh4rd

Flowers: From May to July, 5 Greenish Petals, Orange-colored Pistil

From May to July, poison ivy plants bloom with small, poisonous greenish-yellow flowers. The flowers have five petals, orange-colored centers, and they bloom in small clusters branching off from thin stalks. The flower itself is almost perfectly round, and each flower can get as large as a ½ inch in diameter.

© Bob Peterson

Berries: Starting in August, Cream-COlored or Gray

Beginning in August and continuing into winter, white, gray or cream-colored berries can bloom from poison ivy plants. To humans, these berries are just as poisonous as the rest of the plant. However, they are a non-poisonous meal for birds, deer and other wildlife. These berries are largely why poison ivy is found in a variety of locations, as wildlife will eat the berries and later dispel the seeds which then bloom into new plants.

© Sam Fraser-Smith

Roots: Specific to Poison Ivy Vines

Whereas western poison ivy roots grow underground, eastern poison Ivy’s roots are visible above ground; they’re known as aerial roots. Aerial roots help poison ivy vines cling to and climb structures like walls, fences, and trees. In older plants, you’ll often see tiny, thin roots that look “hairy” branching off from vines and stems.

© normanack

Poison Ivy Look-Alikes:

1. Virginia Creeper – This non-toxic plant can look similar to poison ivy, however there are two visible differences. Virginia creepers come in groups of five leaflets instead of three, and its berries are dark purple.

2. Boxelder – Although similar to poison ivy upon first glance, Boxelder’s side shoots grow directly opposite from each other, while poison ivy shoots alternate on each side of the stem. Another way to tell the two apart is by looking for either gray or bluish blooms on the plant – those indicate you’re dealing with Boxelder, not poison ivy.

3. Raspberry Bush – Raspberry bushes in their early stages can resemble a poison ivy plant. However, if you look closely, you’ll find that raspberry bushes have thorns on their vines where poison ivy bushes do not.

4. Hog Peanut – Like poison ivy, a hog peanut plant has three leaflets. However, its leaflets are untoothed and branch off of a much finer stem.

5. Jewelweed – Also known as a touch-me-not because of its delicate seed pods, this plant is commonly found alongside poison ivy and is often even mistaken for it. Jewelweed, however, has a light green stem, and in the spring, yellow or orange trumpet-shaped flowers. Fun fact: the ‘juice’ that lives within a jewelweeds stem is sometimes used as a natural remedy for treating poison ivy rashes and itching.

Where Does Poison Ivy Grow?

Poison ivy can grow in just about any climate other than at high elevations of over 4,000 feet, or in arid deserts. It requires only temperate weather and a few spouts of sun to survive, and has been found in parts of China, Russia and North America. The largest population of poison ivy is located in the U.S., with the plant living in every state except for Alaska, Hawaii and California. The greatest quantity spans sections of the Midwest and Eastern states, especially favoring moist areas along river and lakefronts, ocean beaches and the great lakes region.

*Map only approximate. Reality may differ slightly.

Types of Poison Ivy

Poison Ivy can grow as a vine, shrub or single plant. It’s important to know that all three are poisonous, all year around.

Vine: The most abundant type of poison ivy, this form thrives in the eastern half of the U.S.. Fittingly, it is often referred to as ‘eastern poison ivy.’ A poison ivy vine can reach up to a hundred feet tall thanks to its above ground, aerial roots that help it scale buildings, chain-link fences and trees or telephone poles. A common characteristic found on these vines is that they contain small, hair-like roots branching out in all directions. These vines and roots are just as poisonous as the leaves, and should be avoided like the rest of the plant.

Shrub: Also referred to as ‘western poison ivy’, these low-growing shrubs or bushes thrive in the western plains of the U.S. and in many parts of Canada. A poison ivy shrub can reach up to four feet tall and typically sprouts from an unbranched, wooded stem. A shrub of poison ivy does not climb or have exposed roots like that of its vine cousin, eastern poison ivy. Shrubs of poison ivy grow best on the edges of woods, in ditches, or across open spaces with moderate sunlight.

Single Plant: Poison ivy plants spread by birds and other animals digesting the berries and expelling the seeds. Because of this, it’s not uncommon to find a single plant of poison ivy growing alongside houses, cement or wooded paths, or sprouting up out of gardens. A single plant of poison ivy can be just as toxic as a shrub or vine, and if found on your property, should be removed with care before it spreads.

Precautions

The first step in preventing contact with poison ivy is to practice recognizing it from the get-go so you’ll avoid it. Luckily, there are plenty of fun little mantra’s nowadays you can memorize to help with this. A few of the most common are:

• “Leaves of three, let it be.”
• “Longer middle stem, beware of them.”
• “Side leaves like mittens, they’ll itch like the dickens.”
• “Hairy vine, no friend of mine. ”
• “Berries of white, best take flight.”

Each one of these little mantra’s contains classifying characteristics of poison ivy, and knowing to look for these characteristics is a helpful precautionary measure. A second measure you can take is to wear long sleeves, pants, and closed toed shoes anytime you’ll be walking through foliage or well-vegetated areas.

However, properly covering up doesn’t guarantee your totally in the clear from poison ivy’s effects. The venomous part of poison ivy is actually the urushiol oil it produces. This oil can cling to surfaces such as clothing, gloves, a pet’s fur or even gear like backpacks and hiking boots. Thus, you don’t need to come into direct contact with the plant to get hurt.

Once the oil gets on an item, the item must be thoroughly washed or the oil can remain a threat for up to five years.

Another important thing to note is that burning a poison ivy plant may be tempting, but it is NEVER a good idea. If you do this, the toxins will become airborne and you can inhale the oil’s chemical’s, creating a case of poison ivy rash internally on your lungs.

© Adam Rosenberg

Treatment

If you do come into contact with this unfriendly plant, here are a few steps you can take early on and treatment options you can follow to help make the healing process faster and a bit more bearable.

1. Wash your skin immediately and repeatedly with rubbing alcohol or dish soap followed by cold water. If you do this quickly enough—like within the first 10-20 minutes—you can still get the poisonous oils off your skin and avoid the allergic reaction altogether.

2. Put on gloves you won’t mind throwing away (i.e. a cheap rubber pair).

3. Wash everything else you think might have also touched the poison ivy.

If you end up developing a reaction to poison ivy, you’ll experience inflammation, reddening of the skin, an itchy rash and small blisters filled with clear liquid 24-48 hours after contact. Keep in mind that although you’ll itch like the dickens, scratching away at the impacted areas can make the reaction worse because bacteria could get in the wounds and cause infection.

Applying Calamine lotion, Cortisone, Benadryl and even Apple Cider Vinegar to the infected areas are all great for drying out your skin and helping relieve itch. Also, swimming in a chlorine pool, soaking in a salt bath or even washing with tomato juice can be effective methods for “drying out.”

If out on the trail, extracting the juice from a jewelweed stem and applying it onto the affected areas may be your best line of defense in helping soothe your skin. Be sure to test a small amount of jewelweed first to make sure you’re not allergic.

If you catch a bad case of poison ivy, keep in mind that the most severe symptoms occur within the first 48 hours after the rash has developed. The healing time can take anywhere from a week to a month, depending on severity. Once you’ve caught poison ivy, your sensitivity and reaction can increase each time you’re exposed. In especially severe cases or if you show signs of infection (like fever or yellow fluid seeping from scabs or blisters), you should talk with a doctor immediately about taking a steroid like Prednisone, which will reduce inflammation and temporarily mask painful symptoms.

By Katie Licavoli: Katie Licavoli is a freelance writer and outdoor enthusiast who specializes in articles, blog posts, gear reviews, and site content about living the Good Life spent exploring The Great Outdoors. Her favorite days are ones in nature, and her favorite views are any with mountains.
About Greenbelly: After thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail, Chris Cage created Greenbelly to provide fast, filling and balanced meals to backpackers. Chris also wrote How to Hike the Appalachian Trail.

Affiliate disclosure: We aim to provide honest information to our readers. We do not do sponsored or paid posts. In exchange for referring sales, we may receive a small commission through affiliate links. This post may contain affiliate links. This comes at no extra cost to you.

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Poison Ivy – Protect Your Lawn

If you suspect you’ve got poison ivy growing around your landscape, this toxic plant can be a real threat to your family.

If your children or guests come into contact with this nuisance, they can develop a nasty rash from the ivy’s resin or oils (Urushiol).

Identify poison ivy in your yard and get rid of it properly, with these helpful tips:

Poison Ivy Identification: Spotting the Plant in Your Yard

When it comes to spotting poison ivy in your backyard, here’s some ways to identify the plant:

• Leaves of three, let them be! Poison ivy always forms clusters of leaves in threes; the middle leaf most often has the longest stem.
• Measure the leaves. Mature ivy leaves are usually between two and four inches long.
• Rounded and notched leaves. Poison ivy leaves can have variances in shape, some boasting notched edges while others are rounded. The leaves, however, are never serrated. Check out these pictures from Boston.com for help identifying poison ivy leaves.
• Pointed leaf tips. While poison oak has a round, scalloped shape, poison ivy’s leaves always come to a sharp tip.
• Vine, ground cover or shrub. Poison ivy can form as a ground cover and even take the form of a shrub, or can climb up trees on a vine. If it’s in your backyard, it’s probably creeping up some bark and spreading out from the base of the tree as well.
• Don’t be fooled by the vine. While a mature poison ivy plant will often have a hairy brown vine, young ivy may not have had a chance to form any hairs yet.
• Color variance in spring and fall. Many people think poison ivy is always red and overlook the green leaves of the summer but it actually starts the season red, turns green as it matures and then just like your other leaves, ivy can turn red, yellow or orange during autumn. It’s still poisonous, even when a different color!
• Shiny or dull. While many think poison ivy leaves are always shiny, that’s not true. They can be reflective, and more often than not, they’re actually dull! This actually changes with the seasons, spring it’s shiny, summer dull, fall it takes on a shine again
• Don’t confuse ivy with oak or sumac. Check out the key differences between poison ivy, oak, and sumac here.

How to Get Rid of Poison Ivy in Your Yard, Safely

Once you’ve identified poison ivy, you might think it’s time to remove it. But this toxic plant can be a real pain to chop down!

Unless you’re thinking of purchasing a head-to-toe bodysuit to attack the plant, fighting with poison ivy is a bad idea! Trust us, as lawn care professionals, we’ve tried every trick in the book, including Tyvek suits. Spoiler alert: even with the suits, we were COVERED in rashes. We don’t recommend this approach.

We’ve tried plowing through the roots and vines with a rototiller— but clearing the remains from the blades is just as dangerous. Our crew almost always ended up with a rash somewhere, and if not properly washed, poison ivy’s toxic oils can remain active on boots or tools for up to a year.

Our advice: spray the sucker!

Grab that weed killer. Hit the whole plant with a chemical weed killer and apply generously on a hot day. Poison ivy is so hardy that spraying it on mild or cool days won’t kill it. The plant is respirating more on hot days and the uptake of the chemical is much greater. It is best to spray in the late spring/early summer because in the early spring the vine is living off stored nutrients in the roots so it won’t uptake the spray from the leaves.

Large vines growing up trees should be cut from the base. Spraying the vine only won’t kill it. DO NOT REMOVE THE VINES! We can’t stress this enough! The urushiol that causes the rash needs to dry out before removing the vine or you will still get poison. This process of drying out can take a year or more. You read that right! It will be more than a year before you can safely remove those vines.

Don’t be discouraged if it comes back. Poison ivy can be a real pain, and underground root systems are resilient. It might need a few sprays to get rid of it completely! We recommend an initial heavy treatment then a follow-up spray about three to four weeks later. For really bad infestations, eradication can take up to two years before you even start spot spraying!

Let the Professionals Eradicate the Poison Ivy

Poison ivy’s toxins can spread very easily, and once on your skin for more than an hour, your chances of developing a rash are extremely high.

Put away the calamine lotion and leave the poison ivy eradication to the experts. Our lawn care professionals can effectively kill the plant with a special spray chemical mix, which we’ve perfected after many years of spraying.

Give us a call at (855)-391-1343 or fill out this form to say goodbye to poison ivy.

Poison Ivy | University of Maryland Extension

Poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans). Photo: Ginny Williams

Key points

• Poison ivy, Toxicodendron radicans, is a common native plant found in woodlands, fields, pastures, farms, and home landscapes. In natural areas, its berries provide nutritious food for migrating birds.
• Poison ivy is typically a deciduous woody vine that attaches itself to trees or other objects for support, but it can take on different growth forms depending on its age and growing conditions. When growing in a tree, mature vines become thick and develop dark brown hairy holdfast growths (called adventitious roots). The vines often develop extensive branches that look like the branches of the tree. Poison ivy vines do not harm the trees to which they are attached.
• In some cases, it also can grow as an upright shrub without support. Shrub forms typically develop when grown in full sun.
• The leaf forms also can vary even on the same plant. They all have the characteristic three leaflets but the leaf margins can be smooth, wavy, lobed, or toothed.
• Some leaves may resemble oak leaves. Many people call the leaf form that resembles oak leaves ‘poison oak’. In reality, the true species of poison oak, Rhus diversiloba, is found in the Western U.S.
• The entire plant is poisonous because all parts, leaves, stems, and roots, contain the irritating oil urushiol. Urushiol (pronounced, ‘you-roos-sheol’) is a colorless or slightly yellow oil and is very potent.
• It often grows in shrubs and groundcovers, making it difficult to spot.
• HOW TO IDENTIFY POISON IVY — Learn how to recognize common look-alikes.

Life cycle 

• Begins as an herbaceous perennial and becomes a woody vine. Can also be shrub-like.  
• Poison ivy is deciduous (it loses its leaves in the fall). Leaves have yellow or red fall color that begins to turn in early fall. 
• Vines leaf out again, usually in May.

Fall color of poison ivy. Photo: Steve Dewey, Utah State University, Bugwood.orgYoung leaves on a poison ivy vine. Photo: Rob Routledge, Sault College, Bugwood.org 

Reproduction 

• By seeds that are quickly spread by birds and other animals that eat the small fruits. Poison ivy can get started in the landscape and in a short time become a widespread problem.
• Most mature poison ivy plants will flower and produce fruit. The small flowers appear in the summer. White, waxy fruits develop in late summer or fall and are attached in clusters on slender stems that originate in the axis of the leaves along the side of the smaller branches 
• Poison ivy grows fairly quickly and also propagates itself by underground rhizomes.

Maturing poison ivy flowers.  Photo: Karan A. Rawlins, University of Georgia, Bugwood.orgChipmunk feeding on ripened berries Photo: Gary P Bell, Bugwood.org

Poison ivy exposure

• Some people are more sensitive than others to the effects of poison ivy. However, sensitivity can change from time to time so that someone who was not affected by it at one time can get a reaction at another time.
• The oil (urushiol) penetrates the skin within about ten minutes of contact. If you suspect contact with poison ivy, wash the exposed area immediately after contact or as soon as possible. 
• Washing with running water is recommended. Using soaps that contain emollients or bath oils, such as complexion soaps, can actually spread the irritating oil and make the rash more widespread.
• There are specially prepared poison ivy cleansing agents on the market that remove the rash-causing oil if applied according to label directions.
• For those sensitive to the oil, a linear rash, resembling small insect bites, will usually appear within 12 to 48 hours of exposure. The rash progresses and blisters will form. Allergic reactions may take up to two weeks to appear and skin-to-plant contact is not necessary for a reaction to occur.
• The plants are most dangerous in spring and summer when oil content is highest. The oil can remain active for months on objects.
• Even dead plants may cause allergic reactions for a couple of years.
• If burned, the oils in the smoke can also cause severe allergic reactions and respiratory problems.
• The rash can be picked up on tools, clothing, and the fur of pets. Therefore, anything that may be carrying the oil should be carefully washed with soap and water. Tools can also be cleaned with alcohol. 
• Contact your physician if you have severe swelling, blistering, or itching, or if the rash is present on a sensitive area such as your face.  

Common myths about poison ivy

• Scratching poison ivy blisters will spread the rash.
  This is not true. The irritating oil is spread by hand only before the rash begins.
• Poison ivy rash is catching from one person to another.
  This is not true. The rash cannot be transferred from person to person.
• Once allergic, always allergic.
  False. An individual’s sensitivity can change over time even from season to season.
• “Leaves of three, let them be”.
  This is usually true for poison ivy, but occasionally its leaves may be in groups of 5,7 or even 9. There are a few plants that also have three leaflets very similar to poison ivy. For example, boxelder trees and Virginia creeper look very similar to poison ivy.

Controlling and protecting yourself from poison ivy

• Always cover all exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, protective gloves, and boots when working around poison ivy. Launder your work clothes separately from the rest of your laundry. 
• Early in the season, identify seedlings. Digging, cutting, and hand pulling of small plants is effective. Its root system is not deep. 
• On trees, sever vines growing up the trunk to eliminate the flow of moisture from roots. Or spot spray the foliage (but never direct the spray overhead) or cut the vine and immediately apply the herbicide directly to the cut end using a non-selective herbicide containing glyphosate or triclopyr. These are commonly labeled as poison ivy or tough brush killers and are easy to find in hardware stores or plant nurseries. Use herbicides with care. Read the label directions, follow all safety precautions, and protect surrounding valuable plants.
• Chemical control is most effective during active growth periods especially in early to mid-summer. The chemicals are most efficiently absorbed and translocated through the plant at these times.
• Never burn the plant as toxins can be inhaled in smoke and cause severe respiratory problems.

Mention of trade names in this publication does not constitute an endorsement by University of Maryland Extension.de

Additional resources

Based on publication HG 34 Poison Ivy, author Ray Bosmans, Professor Emeritus University of Maryland.

Poison Ivy, Poison Oak and Similar Plant Identification

Published Oct. 2020|Id: HLA-6459

By
Brooklyn Evans, Pam Sharp, Shelley Mitchell, Justin Quetone Moss

“Leaves of three let it be”. From that rhyme, you would think identifying poison ivy
would be simple, but that isn’t necessarily the case. Knowing how to recognize poison
ivy, oak and sumac can save you from a miserable red itchy rash. All three of these
closely related plants contain an irritating, oily sap called urushiol. Urushiol causes
many people to break out in a rash when it comes in contact with their skin. Being
able to identify these plants is beneficial considering there are many plants that
look similar, but are harmless. This Fact Sheet is to help inform and educate the
general public on how to identify poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac so they
can be avoided.

Poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) is located throughout the lower 48 states and grows in a
variety of conditions, although it is most abundant along forest edges and in open
forests with moderate sunlight. In Oklahoma, poison ivy is distributed across most
of the state but is less abundant in the southwest and panhandle areas of the state.
Poison oak (Toxicodendron toxicarium) is mostly in coastal states in the east and
west and not as common in the central region. Poison oak does occur in scattered locations across Oklahoma but is generally less abundant
than poison ivy. Poison sumac (Toxicodendron vernix) is mainly found in the eastern and southeastern parts of the
U.S. because it prefers to grow in wet, forested areas. It does not occur in Oklahoma
except for few isolated spots along the Red River.

Figure 1. Poison ivy in the summer. This poison ivy has lobed edge leaflets. Photo courtesy
of David Hillock.

Figure 2. Poison ivy in the autumn. It has smooth-edged leaflets. Photo courtesy of www.poison-ivy.org

Poison ivy leaves are compound and consists of three individual leaflets (Figure 1).
The leaves can vary from smooth to being lobed (looking like a pair of mittens) or
toothed (pointed). Poison oak leaves are usually in clusters of three leaflets. Its
leaves are lobed or deeply toothed, with rounder edges (Figure 3). Just as leaf shape
varies, so do the colors of leaves on each plant. Poison ivy leaves start out a shiny
green in the spring and become a dull green during the summer. In the autumn, poison
ivy leaves turn yellow or scarlet (Figure 2). Poison oak is green throughout the spring
and summer and become yellow with brown undertones in the fall (Figure 4).

Figure 3. Poison oak in the spring/summer with lobed edge leaflets. Photo courtesy of Bailey Lockhart

 Figure 4. Poison oak in the autumn. Photo credit Linda Tanner Flickr

Flowers of poison ivy and oak are greenish yellow appearing in panicles from the leaf
axils on the stem. Fruit of poison ivy and oak are grayish-white to creamy white and
have ridges that make it look like a tiny pumpkin.

There are many common plants people confuse with poison ivy and poison oak. The common
ones in Oklahoma are Virginia creeper, fragrant sumac, skunkbush sumac and boxelder.

Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) leaves are compound and contain five leaflets, (Figure
5) though leaves with three leaflets can sometimes be present. Virginia creeper looks
like it is giving you a “high five” so it is easier to identify amongst the similar-looking
plants. Each leaflet has toothed (pointed) edges, which is makes it look more similar
to poison ivy than poison oak or sumac. Furthermore, Virginia creeper, like poison
ivy is red when it first emerges, but then turn green as it matures. During the autumn,
it turns back to red or maroon color. It can cause a mild rash in some individuals,
but usually not like the rash that poison ivy/oak causes.

Figure 5. Virginia creeper has toothed edge leaflets. Photo courtesy of Randy Evans

Fragrant sumac (Rhus aromatica) has trifoliate-toothed leaves that are a green-blue shade (Figure
6). During the autumn, the leaf color changes to shades of red and purple. Fragrant
sumac, unlike poison oak, produces red, hairy fruits (Figure 7) on female plants;
this is a good identifying clue. Poison ivy and oak have whitish or yellowish berries.
Sumac also tends to form dense compact mottes (grove of trees) rather than having
the more open structure of poison oak.

Figure 6. Fragrant Sumac has toothed edge leaflets. Photo courtesy of David Hillock

Figure 7. Fragrant sumac with berries. It has tooth-edged leaflets. Photo courtesy of David Hillock

Skunkbush sumac (Rhus trilobata) looks very similar to fragrant sumac. Leaves are compound and the
leaflets are waxy and soft-textured, and grow in groups of three (Figure 8). The leaves
are green during the summer and spring, then turn a bright red or orange during the
autumn. The fruit of skunkbush also are red to orange and hairy, which distinguishes
sumacs from poison ivy and oak, which has whitish or yellowish berries.

 Figure 8. Skunkbush sumac has lobed edge leaflets. Photo courtesy of Patrick J. Alexander,
hosted by the USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database

Boxelder (Acer negundo) leaves are compound and consists of three to five toothed leaflets
(Figure 9). The leaves are in opposite pairs and are light green in the summer with
little color variation in the fall. Young boxelder can be mistaken for poison ivy,
but the difference between the two is that boxelder leaves are opposite, while poison
ivy leaves are alternating.

Figure 9. Boxelder has toothed edge leaves. Photo courtesy of Randy Evans

Control

There are several different methods to control poison ivy, oak and sumac. Lawnmowers
or weed eaters can remove the aboveground portion of the plant, but this is not a
permanent solution as they will resprout from the root. The urushiol oil from the
plants will likely adhere to equipment and clothing. Keep in mind the proper attire
that should be worn with potential exposure to the urushiol oil. This includes eye
protection, gloves, long pants and long sleeves. For smaller gardens or flower beds,
hand pulling works but it is best done when the seedling is still small. Be sure to
wear disposable gloves to keep the oils off your skin and note that even the stems
and roots contain the oils. A simple method that limits contact with the plant when
pulling it by hand is using a plastic bag over your hand. With your hand in the bag,
grab the plant and pull it out of the ground; while still holding onto the plant pull
your hand out of the bag; the plant is now in the bag and you never had to touch it.
Poison ivy will grow up into trees and the stem can be cut at ground level with a
hatchet or saw. Herbicides are the only effective way to permanently kill poison ivy
or oak. Several herbicides are effective: Glyphosate and triclopyr are two of the
more common effective herbicides. Both can be applied as foliar application to actively
growing plants. Alternatively, the cut stem can be treated anytime during the year
except early spring during sap flow. Following herbicide directions precisely is critical
to ensure the safety of yourself and other plants surrounding the poison ivy. Hiring
a professional can give you peace of mind and is always an option if you do not feel
comfortable handling the herbicides yourself. Burning poison ivy or oak is not recommend
because the urushiol oil is still active in smoke and can cause severe eye, nose and
lung irritation if breathed.

If you come in contact with any poison ivy, oak or sumac, steps can be taken to help
control or even prevent the spreading of the developing rash. Consult a physician
first and follow their professional advice if you get a rash.

To help prevent a reaction, immediately wash the skin where urushiol oil is suspected.
Use rubbing alcohol, dishwashing liquid or a special soap made for use after contact
with poison ivy or oak. Do not scrub the area when washing, because that can cause
the oil to spread further onto more skin. Rinse thoroughly with cool water. The itchy
rash can be relieved by using topical lotions and creams such as hydrocortisone or
calamine lotions. Cool compresses can help to reduce itching and inflammation.

References

• Brown, Diane. “Identifying poison ivy isn’t always easy to do.” Fact Sheet. Michigan State University. East Lansing, MI, 26 July. 2016. Web. 5 Jun.
  2020. 
• “Home Grown Facts.” Fact Sheet. Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oneida County. Oriskany,
  NY. n.d. Web. 10 Jun. 2020
• Beaulieu, David. “Poison Ivy Plant Profile, Toxicity and Special Consideration.” Fact Sheet. 30 Jan. 2020.
• Lerner, B. Rosie. Legleiter.Travis. “Poison Ivy.” HO-218-W. Consumer Horticulture,
  Purdue Extension. Oct. 2015. Web. 18 Jun. 2020
• “Poison Ivy: An Identification and Control Guide”, Chuck Otte and Kansas State University.
  1 Jan. 2020. Web. 21 Jun. 2020 

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90,000 planting, cultivation and care in the open field, species, reproduction, photo

Ivy occupies a special place among garden plants. Many landscape designers choose this particular plant to decorate hanging gardens. In the courtyards of houses, it is used as a hedge. Ivy is very good for decorating gazebos, arches, hedges and even walls. Garden ivy is also used when creating a garden in the English style.

Contents of the article:

Description

Garden ivy (Hedera helix) is a climbing liana-like perennial evergreen plant of the Araliaceae family.The Latin name comes from the Greek word “oedon” – singer. There is another version of the origin of the name from the Celtic word “hedea” – cord. The specific name comes from the word “helisso” – to curl.

This plant is widespread in South-West Asia, South, West and Central Europe. On the territory of our country, garden ivy grows in the Caucasus and the territory of the Krasnodar Territory, in the Crimea. The natural habitat of ivy is beech and oak forests, it can also be found in the lowlands and foothills.

Garden ivy is a thermophilic plant, but there are also frost-resistant varieties.

In most species of ivy, the leaves are leathery, shiny, have a smooth surface penetrated by numerous veins. Depending on the type, leaf plates can be three-toed, five-toed, heart-shaped.

Leaves are usually solid green. However, there are species with variegated leaf plates: with yellow blotches, red stripes and white edging around the edges.

The plant is able to grow on various surfaces due to numerous suction-like aerial roots, which can catch not only on trees and their branches, but also on rough stone walls.

The length of ivy shoots can reach three meters in length. During the flowering period, the plant forms small greenish-yellow flowers, collected in umbrellas, which are of no decorative value. Flowers are very attractive to various insects, including bees.

After pollination on ivy, small berries of a dark, almost black color are formed, which become a real decoration of the plant.

It should be noted that ivy is a poisonous plant, and the poison is contained in all its parts and, if it gets on the skin, can cause itching, redness and even burns. However, not all people are susceptible to ivy poison. In any case, it is recommended to use gloves to protect the hands when working with this plant.

Views

The plant has 16 species.They differ in the shape of the leaves and their color, flowering time, temperature regime of growth. On the territory of our country, gardeners grow only a few frost-resistant species.

Common ivy (Hedera helix)

This species is most widespread in our country, since it is frost-resistant. Common ivy has a slow growth rate and can be grown not only as a garden plant, but also as a house plant. Loves a calm, shaded place, unpretentious in care.

It has flexible vines, growing up to one meter in length, with alternately placed glossy leaves. Each leaf blade is divided into three lobes and is covered with bright veins.

The flowering period falls in autumn, while on peduncles up to 3 cm long, brushes with numerous flowers up to 4.5 mm long and up to 2.5 mm wide appear.

Colchis ivy (Hedera colchica)

Colchis ivy (Hedera colchica)

In the wild, it occurs in the northern hemisphere, as well as in Australia and the Caucasus.A fast-growing species with stems up to 30 meters long.

The dark green dull leaves of Colchis ivy are the largest of all species. Dense leathery leaf plates are up to 17 cm wide and up to 20 cm long, planted on cuttings from 1 cm to 3 cm long.

When the leaves are rubbed, a specific musky odor is released.

On one shrub, you can find both female flowering (distinguished by elongated leaves) and male (rounded leaves) branches.

The flowering period is in autumn. In this case, yellowish or white flowers are formed, collected in tassels. After flowering, black fruits are formed, collected in bunches. Each fruit contains 3-5 ivy seeds.

Colchis ivy is aggressive towards other plants. In the first few years of growth, it feeds the plants, which it uses as its support, however, 3-4 years after growth, it begins to choke them with its thick vines, as a result of which the plants die.Moreover, this species, relying on structures, begins to destroy them with its powerful adventitious roots.

This type of plant is mainly used as an indoor or office flower.

Iberian ivy (Hedera iberica)

Iberian ivy (Hedera iberica)

This type of ivy, native to the Iberian Peninsula, is very good at creating flower arrangements and vertical landscaping. Blooms from April to December. It has heart-shaped leaves with beautiful veins.Iberian ivy stems grow up to 30 meters and are brown in color, but sometimes red and purple stems are found. A distinctive feature is that the plant grows in breadth.

Caucasian ivy (Hedera caucasicum)

Caucasian ivy (Hedera caucasicum)

A frost-resistant species that can survive even at temperatures as low as -20 ° C. It has arrow-shaped leaves, the color of which can be light green or variegated. It is a late honey plant, blooms in November.During flowering, it emits a strong musky odor, which attracts many bees. Caucasian ivy honey is highly valued in the market and tastes like white acacia honey.

After a period of flowering, berries are formed on the vines, which the birds feed on.

Lianas of Caucasian ivy root easily in the ground and are able to grow without support, occupying huge areas and at the same time becoming a ground cover plant.

Due to the presence of sucker roots, vines are able to grow on any vertical surfaces.

This type is mainly used for decorating gazebos and organizing green screens. It is rarely chosen as a plant that decorates the walls of houses, since the surfaces covered with ivy are quickly saturated with moisture, which evaporates very slowly, as a result of which it becomes rather damp in the house.

Crimean ivy (Hedera helih var.taurika)

Crimean ivy (Hedera helih var.taurika)

According to its characteristics, this species is closest to common ivy and has long been considered its variety.Loves shade and moist soil, although it is resistant to drought. Frost resistant.

A powerful liana can climb trees to a height of 20 m, while the diameter of the shoots can reach 30 cm. It can also act as a ground cover plant, protecting the ground from drying out.

Sterile shoots have 5-lobed leaves with a very elongated middle lobe. Generative shoots are covered with leaves with a solid leaf plate. The leaves are dark green, glossy.

This variety blooms from September to October with the formation of globular inflorescences, which in turn consist of small yellow-green flowers. During flowering, it emits a sugary sweet aroma, attracting bees. The fruits ripen by winter, remaining on the plant until the beginning of summer.

Growing on a tree, Crimean ivy can cause its death from the weight of the vine. However, this type of damage cannot cause walls and buildings.

Features of cultivation

Soil selection and planting site

Garden ivy is an unpretentious plant, it grows on almost any soil, except clay, which delays the supply of oxygen to the root system.What’s more, clay can trap moisture, which can lead to rotting of ivy roots.

The best option for growing will be a soil with lime and humus, that is, a moisture-absorbing and breathable substrate.

Variegated varieties of garden ivy are planted on the sunny side, choosing a place so as not to allow direct sunlight. For plants with dark green foliage, choose a shady place. There should be a support for the vine next to the planting.

Temperature, humidity, watering

The development of the plant in the first two years after planting is rather slow. In this regard, it is recommended to plant ivy in open ground in spring, so that in the warm season the plant has time to get stronger and gain a foothold, and its root system grows.

Garden ivy normally tolerates changes in ambient temperature. However, for growing in regions of our country, where there are often cold winters, you should definitely choose frost-resistant species.

Being in dry air can cause drying and death of leaves. In this regard, regular spraying of the leaves may be required.

Since garden ivy is a moisture-loving plant, care should be taken to ensure that the substrate in which it grows is always moist. Moreover, ivy loves spraying, so it is mainly watered with sprinkling. In the summer they water it often enough, at least 1-2 times a week, making sure that the earthy clod does not dry out; in winter, watering the plant should be reduced.

Loosening

Garden ivy needs regular loosening of the soil. If the soil has dried up from insufficient watering, it is watered abundantly and loosened. Loosening is also carried out to prevent the appearance of earth crusts after rain. The loosening process also helps to increase the air permeability of the soil layer. However, this should be done carefully so as not to damage the roots.

Fertilizer and top dressing

To accelerate the growth of the plant in the spring-summer period, it is recommended to feed the garden ivy once every two weeks.For feeding, fertilizers for ornamental plants, which include nitrogen, should be used. In order for the plant to endure the winter better, starting from the middle of summer, you can feed it with fertilizers with the presence of potassium and phosphorus.

You can also fertilize ivy using manure combined with water.

Transfer

Garden ivy does not tolerate transplantation. Gardeners should carefully choose a planting site, keeping in mind that the plant may die as a result of transplanting.

Pruning

Garden ivy is pruned in the fall, removing excess shoots and dry leaves. Long shoots are shortened. In order to grow a lush plant, it is necessary to cut off all the tips of the shoots.

Frozen shoots should not be cut off immediately after winter. It is recommended to wait for the onset of summer, when the movement of juices through the vines stops.

Cutting sites must be treated with garden varnish, which will help the plant heal faster, and also prevent the entry of pathogenic bacteria, parasites and insects that can cause ivy to die.

Garden var can be purchased in specialized stores, or you can prepare it yourself using 3 parts of paraffin, 1.5 parts of rosin and 1 part of vegetable oil. When self-preparing the product, the paraffin is melted in a water bath, after which rosin powder is added to it, and after boiling, vegetable oil is added. The resulting mass should be boiled for 30 minutes, then cooled and transferred to a container with a lid.

Preparing ivy for winter

Frost-resistant varieties of garden evergreen ivy winter well in the middle lane.However, in the northern regions of our country, ivy used for vertical gardening can die due to low temperatures. In this case, ground cover plants are more tenacious, which winter comfortably under a layer of snow. Plants can also be covered with burlap, fallen leaves or twigs.

Lianas growing on vertical surfaces in the southern regions can be left on supports, and in the northern regions they can be removed and insulated like ground cover plants.

Reproduction methods

When propagating garden ivy, flower growers do not have serious problems.This plant multiplies easily; a large number of seedlings can be quickly grown from one bush.

Florists prefer the vegetative propagation method. This allows you to preserve species characteristics, which is rarely achieved when growing ivy from seed.

Using methods of vegetative propagation, the following rules must be followed:

• annual or biennial shoots are used for propagation;
• it is necessary to choose strong shoots with aerial roots;
• carry out the breeding process in late spring or early summer;
• It is recommended to plant young plants in a new place in early autumn or spring.The latter is preferable, since the plant will have more time to adapt and prepare for winter.

Shoots

The essence of this method is that a young branch of garden ivy is pressed into the soil and sprinkled with earth. When roots appear on a branch, it is carefully separated from the main plant and planted in the ground.

Layers

Like other vines, garden ivy can be propagated by layering. This method is used most often if ivy is grown as a ground cover plant: branches lying on the soil are able to root without assistance, but by stimulating this process, gardeners get new plants faster.

To carry out this method of reproduction, the shoot should be laid on the ground and attached to the soil with special staples, and then sprinkled with nutritious soil. Small cuts are made at the bottom of the branches to help speed up the rooting process. It is necessary to water the layers regularly, maintaining a stable moisture content of the soil layer. After the vine has hardened, it is necessary to wait for spring or autumn and transplant the already strengthened ivy to the desired place.

Cuttings

Most often, garden ivy is propagated in this way, since it is quite simple and fast.The roots of cuttings appear in just a few weeks. Cuttings can be cut at any time of the year, but it is better to use young shoots. For reproduction, both apical and stem cuttings are used. The length of the apical cuttings should be between 9 and 21 cm, the lower two pairs of leaves should be removed. The presence of an aerial root on the handle is required. If propagation is carried out by stem cuttings, then a young whole shoot with 8-10 leaves is used.

Cuttings can be grown in water or a special solution that stimulates the development of the root system.It is allowed to use a mixture of peat and sand.

Any temperature above +15 degrees is suitable for rooting cuttings.

After rooting, the young plant should be grown in a container, and young ivy can be transplanted to a permanent place in the spring with the arrival of heat.

Seed

This is the most difficult method of breeding garden ivy. The seeds are removed from the berries after ripening and dried within one to two days. Seeds are planted in prepared containers with a nutrient substrate, in which drainage holes are made, then abundantly watered from a sprayer.After that, the containers are covered with glass, which is better not to open in order to maintain the greenhouse effect. Watering is carried out from the pallet on which the containers are. The first shoots should appear in 15-25 days.

Possible problems

Despite the fact that ivy is a rather unpretentious plant, some problems can arise during its cultivation.

If the leaves on the garden evergreen ivy begin to turn yellow, the plant does not have enough water, and if the leaves begin to fall off, it means that the ambient air is very dry.Problems are solved by watering and spraying the foliage.

If the plant lacks light, the variegated and bright green leaves will become faded. This problem is solved only by transplanting ivy to a more illuminated place.

Diseases and pests

Garden ivy is resistant to diseases, however, when grown in too wet soil, it is possible for ivy to become infected with a fungus (rust, root rot). In this case, it is enough to remove damaged shoots with leaves covered with dark spots, treat the plant with a fungicide and reduce the intensity of watering.

Garden ivy is attacked by parasites such as spider mites, scale insects and aphids. If parasites are found, it is necessary to immediately remove the damaged shoots and spray the ivy and plants planted in the immediate vicinity with the Actellik insecticide. In the event that it was not possible to get rid of insects the first time, the chemical treatment should be repeated after a week.

Garden ivy in landscape design

Garden ivy is often used in landscaping.It can be used both in large gardens and in small adjoining territories, used in a vertical and suspended version, braiding any shape with it, creating fences. It all depends only on the imagination of the designer.

When growing garden ivy, you should choose the right neighbors for this plant. Preference should be given to deciduous and coniferous plants, as well as ornamental shrubs. Ivy will look beautiful in the garden with roses.

Growing garden ivy is a task that even a novice gardener can handle.Following simple rules for caring for a plant, after a season, the gardener will be able to get a beautiful green fence from garden ivy.

home care, reproduction, photo

Hedera or indoor ivy is a popular evergreen of the Araliev family. Its scientific name, hedera, is believed to have come from the Celtic word for cord.

Ivy is appreciated not only by flower growers, but also by florists and designers. Its long stems with cut leaves can be used to create beautiful compositions.Such a plant is easily strengthened on a support and can quickly form a lush and beautiful crown. Often, experienced florists combine ivy with other plants (most often with fuchsia or pelargonium), but ivy alone also looks good in the interior. A huge plus of indoor ivy is that caring for it is minimal and simple.

Is ivy poisonous?

Hedera does not contain or emit toxic substances. The only exceptions are its berries. Despite the fact that humans cannot eat them, in nature they are readily eaten by birds, contributing to the reproduction of ivy.The common term “poison ivy” refers to a completely different plant – the toxicodendron, which is also a liana.

Sometimes rumors about the “poisonous” ivy concern the energy created by the flower. According to some beliefs, it is considered an unfavorable plant for single girls – the liana is credited with the ability to drive away men. At the same time, in ancient Greece, hedera, on the contrary, was considered a symbol of male fidelity and a guarantee of strong love.

Caring for indoor ivy at home

In order for ivy to form a beautiful lush crown, it will need special care.It is not considered too difficult, but for the health of the plant, it is important to regularly perform the procedures it needs.

Lighting

Ivy quickly adapts to both the sun and partial shade. Due to the length of its stems and the tightness of the window sill, the plant is often kept away from the window, using it as an ampelous one. But such conditions do not allow ivy to bloom. If the formation of inflorescences and fruits is considered necessary, then you will have to find a sunnier place for the heder. Usually in the summer it is kept on the windows of the south-west or south-east direction, and in the winter – on the south.But foliage should be protected from direct rays and overheating.

Variegated ivy forms are more dependent on sunlight. In a too dark corner, they can lose their color.

Temperature

For a heder, the optimum temperature is in the range from +21 to +25 degrees. In the summer, it is recommended to ventilate the room with the plant – this will contribute to more intensive growth and formation of the ivy crown.

In winter, keep ivy in cooler conditions. The critical temperature for ivy is considered to be +12 degrees.Such conditions can lead to the development of diseases or even death of the plant. If the pot with ivy is on the windowsill, in winter, when it blows cold from the window, it is recommended to insulate the container or put it in a warmer place.

Watering Mode

The soil in the ivy pot should be moderately moist, especially in hot weather. Usually it is watered after the soil is half or a third dry, but it should not be allowed to completely dry out. In winter and in cold weather, the number of waterings is slightly reduced.Excessive bay can kill the flower.

Although ivy is quite drought tolerant, lack of moisture can affect the appearance of the plant. Its foliage can begin to dry at the edges, depriving the bush of its former attractiveness. Usually, well-settled soft water is used for irrigation – plain or boiled.

Humidity level

Due to the fact that ivy foliage collects dust and harmful microparticles of household air, it must be cleaned regularly. The plant can be washed under running water or each leaf can be wiped with a sponge about once every couple of weeks.You should not use special agents to give shine to the foliage.

If the apartment is hot and dry, you can increase the humidity level by spraying. You don’t need to do this every day – a couple of times a week is enough. This will protect the foliage of the plant from drying out.

Soil

Suitable ivy soil should contain sand, earth mix and peat. The plant is not too demanding on the composition of the soil, so ready-made universal mixtures can also be used for it.Slightly acidic soil works well for hedera. Before planting, it can be additionally disinfected with a manganese solution.

Heder’s roots do not go deep into the soil, so you can choose small medium-sized containers for it. Their diameter should be greater than the height. Place at least 5 cm of drainage on the bottom of the pot.

Fertilizers

Hereda is fed 2 times a month, using universal formulations for plants with beautiful leaves or alternating organic fertilizers with mineral ones.Regular application of nutrients helps to accelerate growth rates and improve plant immunity. In addition to the usual, foliar feeding is also carried out.

In winter, the number of dressings is halved – the growth of the heder slows down at this time. An excess of fertilizer can cause foliage to turn yellow, and an excessive amount of nitrogen can turn variegated leaf blades into simple green ones.

Important! An excess of fertilizer leads to the fact that ivy leaves can noticeably increase in size.

Transplant

Ivy is transplanted depending on the growth rate of its roots. Spring is considered the best time for this. The young plant can be moved annually, at the same time replacing the potted substrate. Heders from 5 years old and older are transplanted 2-3 times less often when their roots begin to be seen in the drainage holes. A transplant is also required if the bush has slowed down or its foliage has begun to fade. Plants over 10 years of age are simply replaced by the topsoil.

Heder is moved along with the earthen lump, trying to maintain the same level of penetration.

Pruning

Caring for the chedera involves regular pruning of its long stems. This procedure helps to form a more beautiful and neat crown, as well as stimulate the growth process. Old ivy can be rejuvenated by completely pruning the entire stems, which are then planted in a single container.

In order for ivy to begin to form lateral shoots, its top is pinched at the required height. If the crown becomes too lush and ceases to fit within the specified framework, it can be thinned out by removing excess branches and sprinkling the sections with coal powder.

Bloom

Although ivy is often considered an exclusively ornamental plant, it can sometimes bloom. This happens about once every 8 years. For a fairly long (up to 50 years) plant life in the natural environment, this period is not so rare.

To achieve flowering of a home heder, you need to observe the correct lighting regime. The light hitting the plant should be bright, but diffused. During the flowering period, most of the species form small inflorescences-baskets or umbrellas, collected from beige or yellowish flowers with an unpleasant odor.Purple or blue berries that form on them later are considered poisonous.

To prevent the ivy from dropping the buds, you should not disturb the pot during the period of their formation.

Dormancy period

The dormant period of the cheder is weakly expressed – in winter it does not change its appearance, but simply slows down the growth rate slightly. Because of this, the plant begins to be watered a little less often, as well as fed. Hedera usually rests from late autumn to early March.

Indoor ivy: care, reproduction.Hedera Helix. My experience

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Breeding methods for headers

Breeding for headers is a fairly simple task. Sometimes seeds from fruits appearing on the plant are used for this, but most often vegetative propagation methods are practiced at home. The seed method is considered to be quite time consuming, in addition, a young plant may not retain the characteristics of maternal ivy.

Apical cuttings

If the tops of the stems are removed from the cheder in spring, they can be used as cuttings.The optimal cutting length is 10 cm, it should have several leaves and (if available) air roots. The cutting is immersed in water until full roots are formed. Then it is transplanted into a mixture of earth and sand to a depth of about 1 cm and covered with a film. It is moved to a permanent pot after about 2 months, when the cutting is properly rooted.

With the help of shoots

If excessively long branches were removed from the plant, each of them can be divided into several similar cuttings.They take root in the same way.

With the help of layering

To propagate heder by layering, you need to bend one of its shoots to the ground without cutting it off. You can also tilt the top of the plant, which has aerial roots. Sometimes a glass with a peat-earthen mixture is used as a rooting container. The shoot is fixed in the chosen place (most often in the middle), and then sprinkled with soil a little and watered. In a couple of weeks, roots should appear on this section of the shoot.After that, the layers can be cut off and transplanted into your own pot.

Possible difficulties in growing ivy

The main difficulties in growing heders are associated with the following reasons:

• If the lower part of the plant dries up, you should not worry – this is a consequence of natural aging. Dried foliage can be cleaned periodically.
• If variegated ivy has lost its color and turned green, excess nitrogen fertilization may be the cause.
• If the foliage dries at the edges, this indicates insufficient air humidity or too infrequent watering.Fresh leaves should look healthy after adjusting conditions.
• Yellowing or blackening ivy foliage is the result of overflow or excess of nutrients in the soil. The plant needs less watering and fertilization.
• Lack of lighting can have a bad effect on the appearance of the stems: they stretch and become thinner, the foliage turns pale, and its variegated color can fade or disappear.

Diseases and pests

Spider mites, aphids and scale insects can settle on the cheder.The appearance of a tick is usually associated with low humidity, so you can prevent its appearance by periodically humidifying the air. It should be fought with insecticides.

You can notice the presence of scale insects or aphids by the twisted leaves of the plant. Pests are removed from the leaves with a cotton swab with an alcohol or soap solution, and then the bush is treated with a special preparation.

If whitish spots appear on the foliage, brown from the inside, the cause is yellow thrips.They also need to be fought with the appropriate means.

Benefits of ivy

Along with decorativeness, ivy has a number of useful qualities. Its numerous leaves perfectly clean the air in the room. They accumulate harmful vapors, chemical suspensions and tobacco smoke.

In folk medicine, the healing properties of ivy are also known. On its basis, tinctures and decoctions are made that can relieve cough, increase immunity and help with liver diseases. The plant has antibacterial, diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties and can also speed up wound healing.But doctors recommend using such drugs only externally and in adulthood.

Ivy is also appreciated by esotericists. In their opinion, this plant is able to absorb not only harmful substances, but also negative energy, soothe overly active children and protect the inhabitants of the house from the evil eye.

Types and varieties of ivy with photos and names

In indoor floriculture there are over a hundred different types of ivy. They differ in the shape and color of the leaf plates, as well as in their size.

Plain or English (Hedera helix)

This type of ivy is easily supported on a support. Able to wrap around the column, and serve as an ampelous plant. Foliage can have different shapes: resemble a heart, be elongated or lobed.

In good light, the plant forms umbrella inflorescences, consisting of small flowers with an unpleasant odor. Later, poisonous purple berries are formed on them.

The most famous varieties:

• “Eva” – miniature ivy for small rooms.
• “Harald” – has round foliage with a beige border.
• “Ivalace” – with light green 5-lobed foliage with a wavy edge.
• “Sagittaefolia” – has deeply dissected green foliage with bright yellow veins.

Colchis (Hedera colchica)

Large-leaved species. The length of the leaf plates can be up to 25 cm. Their seamy side is covered with short pubescence, and the outside has a glossy sheen. The foliage exudes a nutmeg aroma when rubbed.The main difference between the varieties is the color of their leaves. They can be:

• Variegated. Dentata Variegata has light yellow edges.
• Curled and slightly drooping (like Arborescens and Sulfur Heart).

Pastukhova (Hedera pastuchowii woronow)

This species is listed in the Red Book, inhabiting the territory of Russia. It has brown shoots with thin green foliage up to 10 cm long. The shape of the leaf plates can differ even on one plant and depends on the growing conditions.It can be elongated or heart-shaped.

Canary (Hedera canariensis)

It has large (over 10 cm) foliage that combines white and green colors. In this case, the white color is concentrated at the edges of the leaves. The stems turn red over the years. It does not form aerial roots.

Wax ivy Hoya

The species stands out from the rest with its thick oval leaves covered with a waxy layer. Young shoots of hoya are quite soft, but over time they begin to grow stiff.The plant is remarkable in that it does not depend on sunlight and can grow even far from windows. The inflorescences resemble a hemisphere and consist of pinkish star-shaped flowers with a red heart.

Hoya variety “Arborescens” can grow horizontally and can act as a ground cover.

Fatshedera ivy

Has three-lobed leaves. In fatshedera, they are colored in shades of white and rich green and have specks all over the leaf surface.

Ampel plants Houseplants

poisonous plant in the Kuril Islands.SearchPath

Dangerous plants of Sakhalin Kuril Islands: how to recognize what to do if contact has occurred. What time of the year Is the mustard most dangerous? First aid to the victim.

Hiking on Sakhalin is fraught with a lot of wonderful and unforgettable. This region is famous for its hot springs, mineral springs, lakes, waterfalls, mountain peaks and other attractions. The nature of the island presents many surprises.Unfortunately, not all of them are pleasant.

Poisonous plants of Sakhalin are one of such moments that can spoil the impression of the trip. Among them are rabies, wild rosemary, smoke. Ipritka is also a danger. You should admire it from afar, without touching it with your hands. At certain times, it is better not to approach at all. Otherwise, the consequences can be dire.

Before you go to the island, you need to study its flora at least minimally. Often, during the passage of the route, tourists are carried away by the brightness and uniqueness of some shrubs and grasses.The mustard, of course, attracts attention. Its large red-green leaves look harmless. As you might guess, the impression is deceiving. Eastern mustard has spread in Japan and China. In all likelihood, it was brought from there to our country. In Russia, the plant is found on Sakhalin and the Kuril Islands, in particular, on Kunashir. There, the poisonous flora has two forms – lianas and creeping shrubs. On Shikotan, mustard has the appearance of bush thickets.

The official name of the plant is “toxicodendron”.Translated from Greek, it means a poisonous tree. Residents of those places where it occurs, more often use the name mustard. It was also dubbed Poison Ivy. This is due to external similarities. The difference is the size of the “harmful brother”. The leaves are up to 45 centimeters long. They themselves have a characteristic structure – ternary. The mustard plant reaches a height of 8 meters.

Experts do not recommend touching any ivy-like plants. This is especially true of toxicodendron. Otherwise, the skin turns red, there are burns up to blisters.Blisters filled with yellowish liquid. Over time, they do not go away, but become ulcers. Such wounds take a very long time to heal. At the same time, they constantly itch and itch. The medicine does not yet know an effective cure against this.

The mustard plant perfectly defended itself from the attacks of representatives of the animal world. There are many tannins in the wood of the shoots. Because of them, animals do not eat poison ivy.

It blooms in summer. During this period, it is strongly not recommended to come close.Otherwise, the wind can carry pollen into the eyes or lungs. In the fall, it is also not advisable to be near the mustard. Leaves emit toxic substances that carry air currents. Their action is individual for each person. It happens that even a short interaction leads to dermatoses and allergic suffocation. Although some are lucky, and they do without negative consequences.

Residents of Sakhalin and the Kuriles revealed a certain pattern. The longer the contact with mustard gas, the more it affects the body.Even if at first people did not have a reaction to poison ivy, after constant trips to the forest, painful manifestations appear. Most often they are expressed in irritation of the skin and mucous membranes, severe itching. It turns out that vulnerability to toxicodendron is gradually developing.

How to avoid unpleasant consequences

The basic rule during a hike is not to touch unfamiliar plants with your hands. This is especially true of the area where travelers come for the first time. Of course, in such a situation it is difficult to learn all the representatives of the flora.It is enough to have an idea of ​​what the poisonous species look like.

If contact does occur, there are several ways to reduce the discomfort. It is impossible to completely get rid of them, since there is no cure for mustard poisoning. For a while, diluted vinegar, gasoline or alcohol diluted with water will help reduce the negative consequences. With these liquids, you need to wipe the damaged area, thereby removing the poison from the surface.

Another method is called rinsing the skin with sea water.This should be done immediately after contact with the plant. In the field, these substances are not always at hand. In this case, white toothpaste will help out. It must be applied to the wound. The remedy will temporarily relieve itching and burning.

Even the most harmful plant can be useful. For example, mustard oil contains chemicals that are extracted and used in tanning. In addition, toxicodendron is used in homeopathy and traditional medicine. If the traveler does not pursue any of these goals, it is better to simply stay away from poison ivy.

90,000 description of the plant, methods of treating burns and symptoms of poisoning

Poison ivy is a climbing plant with beautiful foliage and white berries. In autumn, ivy leaves change the color of the leaves from green to bright yellow-red. It is his beautiful appearance that makes people touch to this unsafe and poisonous plant.

Plant description

Poison ivy or Toxicodendron belongs to the arboreal genus, a type of shrub climbing plants and belongs to the Sumachov family.

There are three types of this family:

• poison ivy;
• poison oak;
• lacquered wood.

Wild ivy somewhat resembles a vine , it winds around nearby trees or spreads along the ground. Young shoots of this plant may not have foliage, or are covered with hairs. Its leaves are rhomboid, and ovoid is also found on the leaves. The leaves are collected in a shamrock, usually light green in color.The lower surface of the leaf is covered with hairs, somewhat reminiscent of small needles, the upper surface is smooth and shiny.

The length of the leaf is generally 10 to 14 centimeters. Its flowers are small, collected in small inflorescences, yellow-green in color. The berries are small, white with a large stone (drupe). Wild ivy blooms in June-July, and in early October, berries ripen, somewhat similar to small balls. In sunny areas, it looks more like a shrub, and in shaded areas wraps around the neighboring tree like a liana.

Where does poison ivy grow?

Poison ivy is found everywhere, in North America, and especially often in its eastern part. On the territory of Russia from the Sumakhov family, only two species grow, which are found in the Southern Kuriles. There he is a tree with a height of two to eight meters with a thin trunk. It also has compound pinnate leaves , which are collected at the top of the plant. Because of this, wild ivy looks somewhat like a palm tree.

What is the danger of poison ivy?

Toxicodendron contains milky juice, this juice oxidizes and turns black in the air.Milky sap is very poisonous and when in contact with it, a person can get severe burns, with blisters. The bark of this plant also contains toxic substances such as lobitin, phenolic compounds and glycosides. In this plant, all parts are absolutely poisonous, from the stem to the berries, but despite this, drugs are made from it. Back in the 18th century, homeopathic doctors used poison ivy tincture to treat diseases such as influenza, rheumatism and, oddly enough, skin diseases.

Poisoning can be expressed not only in burns of the skin, but even with a strong metabolic disorder. An interesting fact, but not all people get burns after touching this shrub. About three out of ten people do not have an allergic reaction to poison ivy juice.

Wild ivy can cause not only burns on the skin, but also the culprit of food poisoning , if leaves, berries or parts of plants get into food.Even a dead plant retains its poisonous properties for several more days.

Wild ivy poisoning symptoms

First of all, poisoning manifests itself in the form of a skin rash, which has a vesicular type. In the future, inflammation of the skin begins. The burn from contact does not appear immediately, but after about seven days. Symptoms of poisoning go away for a long time, they can manifest themselves for a month. The poison of the plant that gets on the skin of a person, fortunately, will not spread to other parts of the body.

The toxins contained in this shrub can lead to damage to the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract, which can cause inflammation of the stomach and even intestines. It is not recommended to burn wild ivy; when burning, toxic substances can enter the respiratory tract and cause irritation of the mucous membranes of the throat, as well as the appearance of a dangerous rash in the lungs, and cause severe inflammation of the respiratory tract. In some cases, poisoning can lead to anaphylactic shock.

Treatment of wild ivy poisoning

The main treatments for poisoning are:

• Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water;
• use of antihistamines;
• application of ointments for burns.

Treatment of poisoning must first of all begin with in order to reduce itching on the skin. To do this, wash the burn with detergent or soap as soon as possible. It is imperative to wash damaged skin areas with soap because the substances that cause burns simply do not dissolve with water, which means they will not be washed off the victim’s skin.It is also advisable to use ointments and creams containing antihistamines . You can also use sunburn creams that cool the skin.

Blisters formed during burns should not be punctured, this can lead to infection of the wound, as well as unacceptable contact of tight and pressing clothing with the site of the burn. If the blister has burst, and there is a possibility of damage to the wound from clothing, the wound should be wrapped with a sterile bandage. In order to avoid the addition of secondary bacterial infection , the use of antibiotics cannot be ruled out.If you feel unwell, have pain or discomfort in the throat, lungs or stomach, see a doctor immediately.

90,000 Get to know Poison Ivy | Councils

Poison ivy is a common plant on the North American continent. It is known for an itchy rash that occurs on contact with the skin. The plant is remarkably adaptable to the environment and the image

Contents:

Poison ivy is a common plant on the North American continent.It is known for an itchy rash that occurs on contact with the skin. The plant is remarkably adaptable to its environment and forms hardy vegetation that can be easily touched by accident. Fortunately, recognizing the plant is not that difficult. This article will help you with that.

Step

Part 1 of 3: Recognizing the Plant

1. Look for vines with clusters of three leaves. This is an important characteristic as the plant is not easily detected by other means.Poison ivy is special because it can grow in many different ways. Like ivy, it can grow upward by attaching itself to things, but it can also grow as a bush or as individual plants.
   • When it grows in rocky areas, it tends to outgrow all other vegetation. If it grows next to a tree or fence, it will grow around it and provide a dense mass of vegetation that will hold everything back.
2. Keep in mind: “Three leaves? Don’t touch it!” After all, these plants have clusters of three leaves at the end of a long stem.A few more characteristic features of the leaves:
   • Notice the three leaves that are close together on each stem. The top of each sheet is pointed.
   • The leaves are wide, and the two lateral ones are narrower than average.
   • The middle leaf (almost always) has a small stem, from which two side leaves grow, without the stems themselves.
   • Leaves are often bright to dark, waxy green when viewed from above. From below, they look lighter and fluffier. In the spring the leaves are usually bright green, but in the fall they turn red (poison ivy), bright red or orange (“Toxicodendron diversilobum”).
   • Although these leaves often look glossy, this is not always the case. Don’t rely on glitter as your calling card after it’s been raining recently.
   • “Hairy vine, don’t touch it.”
     • Longer middle stem; stay away from me. “- the middle leaf has a long stem with two side leaves attached almost directly to it.
     • “Broken rope, not for you!” Poison ivy on trees has a fuzzy or “shabby” appearance.
     • “White berries, dangerous as knives.”
     • “Red leaves in autumn, indicating danger.” New leaves “sometimes” turn red in the spring. Later, in the summer, the leaves turn green, and in the fall “they may” be reddish-orange.
     • “Lateral leaves, like mittens, itch on all sides.” This refers to the shape of some poison ivy leaves. Each of the two side leaves has a notch that makes the leaves look like a mitten with a “thumb”. (Note: All parts of the plant, not just the leaves, can itch.)
3. Check for fruit. If there are berries on the plant, they will look like this:
   • Transparent
   • Toxicodendron diversilobum fruits are usually pubescent.
   • Poison ivy berries, white or cream colored.
   • Fruits linger on the plant in winter
4. Be aware that the plant remains dangerous even during a color change. Despite the color change, urushiol oil remains in the leaves.

Part 2 of 3: Spotting Poison Ivy Along the Way

1. Check the vines before touching, touching, or walking on them. Poison ivy can walk around trees like a snake when it grows like a vine. In this case, a huge amount of plant material will grow from the vines. Always check the vine if you need to get up close and see if there are any plants growing on it.
2. Stay alert during the winter months. Poison ivy loses its leaves in winter, causing the bare stem of the vine to hang down. However, in sensitive people, it can still cause a rash.

Part 3 of 3: Tricky Things to Know About

1. Try not to confuse poison ivy with other plants. There are also plants with two or three similar leaves. These plants may have thorns on the tips of their leaves (mahonia) or thorns on the stems (blackberries). However, it is best to avoid completely poison ivy-like plants.
   • When you see a plant that has all of these qualities, but with regular, uniform leaves or sharp tips around the edges, it is “probably” not poison ivy. Poison ivy has buds with “more random spacing and slightly curved” between the buds at the edges.
2. The fact that other animals eat certain plants does not mean that they are safe. Poisonous plants are not poisonous to all animals. Deer and other herbivores can easily eat poison ivy.

Tips

• Teach children from the moment they learn to walk, not to touch unfamiliar plants. This is part of a hike in nature, especially in winter when the plants do not have characteristic leaves.
• Once the rash appears, do not cover it as much as possible. The air seems to accelerate healing.
• Observe the rash two to three days after possible exposure and start treatment immediately.
• Replace your laces if they come into contact with Poison Ivy.The oil can remain on the laces and you can get infected again.
• Beware when you let the dogs run away. Humans are not “the only ones” who are allergic to poison ivy oil, and you may not notice the difference through the dog’s fur: so check your bare belly. Also, be careful when petting your dog, as this can lead to oil getting on the skin. Wash your dog thoroughly if you think there is a chance of infection. To avoid these concerns, keep your dog on a leash when walking in the woods or in areas with a lot of vines.You should always do this on public roads out of respect for other pedestrians!
• Learn to recognize these plants if you are allergic. Bring a photo so you can identify them immediately.
• Take Technu or other specialty soap with you and use it immediately after contact.
• Bad reactions and infections are also possible from feral cats.
• These plants are also found in Bermuda and the Bahamas.
• The most important thing when washing skin that you think has come into contact with poison ivy is a washcloth with good soap.Scrape the oil off your skin. Rinse thoroughly, ideally within one or two hours after exposure.
• Go home and wash all exposed skin thoroughly after walking. Wash your hands before rubbing your entire body. Use cold water and soap. Choose cold water because warm water will open the pores on your skin and allow the oil to penetrate inside. Cold water will keep your pores closed. Regular soap “won’t do”. You can use a kitchen liquid dishwashing detergent as a degreaser by applying undiluted and then rinsing to completely remove the poison ivy oil.
• Consult your doctor about medication

Warnings

• Never burn poison ivy while trying to remove a plant. The oil in the leaves will burn, and if you inhale the vapors, chances are it will go into your throat or lungs, making breathing extremely painful. It can cause damage and even kill.
• Poison ivy can be hidden among five-leaf vines, so be careful with this plant if you want to avoid serious consequences.Although the five leaf vine has five leaves, it can be easily confused with poison ivy (or vice versa).

Needs

• Photos or images that you can take with you to make recognition easier – use your smartphone or similar device to find the photos easily
• First aid for poisonous plant rashes, especially when hiking or hiking in nature.