Warmer weather always gets me excited to be able to venture outside and start going on hikes with my family, friends, and boyfriend...this year I'm even more excited because I'll hopefully be able to take my new puppy! Even though the spring is beautiful with so many different flowers, trees, and plants budding there are certain things in the wild that you must stay away from if you don't want to stumble upon a nasty rash, itch, or scratch!
Three of my most popular plants in the New England area to make sure you stay away from are poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac. Although not all people are allergic to these things, if you've never encountered one of them (or any of them for that matter) you may be in for a nasty surprise. The good thing though is that most of the rashes that come from these three trouble makers can be treated with simple over-the-counter creams and lotions like lotions with calamine in it.
"The rash is caused by contact with an oil (urushiol) found in poison ivy, oak, or sumac. The oil is present in all parts of the plants, including the leaves, stems, flowers, berries, and roots. Urushiol is an allergen, so the rash is actually an allergic reaction to the oil in these plants. Indirect contact with urushiol can also cause the rash. This may happen when you touch clothing, pet fur, sporting gear, gardening tools, or other objects that have come in contact with one of these plants. But urushiol does not cause a rash on everyone who gets it on his or her skin."(http://www.revolutionhealth.com/conditions/skin/rash/types/poison-ivy-oak-sumac)
Charateristics of the three:
Poison ivy:
Usually has three broad, spoon-shaped leaves or leaflets, but it can have more. The phrase, "Leaves of three? Let it be." may help you remember what poison ivy looks like!
Grows as a climbing vine or a low, spreading vine that sprawls through grass (more common in eastern states) or as a shrub. Often grows along rivers, lake fronts, and ocean beaches.
Has bright red leaves and white or cream berries in the autumn.Poison oak
Poison oak is most common in the western United States, although it is also found in eastern states. It rarely is found in midwestern states.
Poison oak:
Has leaves that look like oak leaves, usually three leaflets but sometimes up to seven per leaf group.
Grows as a vine or a shrub.
Usually has three broad, spoon-shaped leaves or leaflets, but it can have more. The phrase, "Leaves of three? Let it be." may help you remember what poison ivy looks like!
Grows as a climbing vine or a low, spreading vine that sprawls through grass (more common in eastern states) or as a shrub. Often grows along rivers, lake fronts, and ocean beaches.
Has bright red leaves and white or cream berries in the autumn.Poison oak
Poison oak is most common in the western United States, although it is also found in eastern states. It rarely is found in midwestern states.
Poison oak:
Has leaves that look like oak leaves, usually three leaflets but sometimes up to seven per leaf group.
Grows as a vine or a shrub.
Poison sumac:
Has 7 to 13 leaflets per leaf stem. The leaves have smooth edges and pointed tips.
Grows as a shrub or small tree.
Has 7 to 13 leaflets per leaf stem. The leaves have smooth edges and pointed tips.
Grows as a shrub or small tree.
Remember the best way to prevent these allergic reactions from happening is to be educated and aware of the plants around you. When hiking, always be on the lookout for any plants, bushes, or trees that resemble poison ivy, oak, or sumac because you never know if it really is the real thing!
I hate the outdoors unless I am doing an organized sport. I wish I could enjoy outdoor activities like camping and hikes, however I am very accident prone, and the mosquitos love me. Thanks for the tips on how to deferentiate both poisonous plants...very helpful!
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