Attention All Outdoors Men & Women, knowledge is POWER!
Thanks to the age of finger tip information, I present to you, the dear reader; a guide to unitchy outdoor adventures! Ta Ta…till next time…
Information brought to you by: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep220
Unfortunately, the native plants poison ivy, poison oak, poison and sumac can make these outings a miserable experience . All four contain Urushiol, a plant oil that can cause a severe skin rash (dermatitis) when any part of the plant is contacted. Allergic reaction can occur directly by touching the plant or indirectly by coming into contact with the oil on animals, tools, clothes, shoes, or other items. Even the smoke from burning plants contains oil particles that can be inhaled and cause lung irritation.
Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron radicans)
Poision Ivy
Poison ivy grows in shady or sunny locations throughout the U.S. It can be a woody shrub up to 6 feet tall or a vine up to 150 feet tall that climbs high on trees, walls, and fences or trails along the ground. All parts of poison ivy, including the hairy-looking aerial roots, contain urushiol at all times of the year, even when bare of leaves and fruit in winter. Plants are frequently abundant along old fence rows and the edges of paths and roadways. Leaf forms are variable among plants and even among leaves on the same plant; however, the leaves always consist of three leaflets. The old saying “Leaflets three, let it be” is a reminder of this consistent leaf characteristic. Leaflets can be 2–6 inches long and may be toothed or have smooth edges. The stem attaching the terminal leaflet is longer than stems attaching the other two. Leaves emerge with a shiny reddish tinge in the spring and turn a dull green as they age, eventually turning shades of red or purple in the fall before dropping. Flowers and fruit are always in clusters on slender stems that originate in the leaf axils, or angles, between the leaves and woody twigs. The berrylike fruits are round and grooved with a white, waxy coating. They are attractive to birds. The leaves and fruit are an important food source for deer.
Poison Oak (Toxicodendron pubescens)
Poison Oak
Poison oak, also known as Atlantic poison oak, oakleaf ivy, or oakleaf poison ivy, is a low-growing, upright shrub that is about 3 feet tall. It is found in dry, sunny locations and does not tolerate heavy shade.
Like poison ivy, a single poison oak leaf consists of three leaflets. The stem attaching the terminal leaflet is longer than the stems attaching the other two. One distinguishing feature of poison oak is its lobed leaves, which give it the appearance of an oak leaf. The middle leaflet usually is lobed alike on both margins, and the two lateral leaflets are often irregularly lobed. Leaf size varies considerably, even on the same plant, but leaves are generally about 6 inches long. Another distinguishing feature is that the leaf stems and leaflets have a coating of fine hair.
Leaflets emerge with a reddish tinge in the spring, turn green, and then assume varying shades of yellow and red in the fall before dropping. As with poison ivy, the flowers and fruit arise from the leaf axils in clusters. The small flowers are white, and the ripe fruit is round, light tan, waxy, and grooved.
Poison Sumac (Toxicodendron vernix)
Poison Sumac
More allergenic than poison ivy and poison oak is poison sumac, a deciduous woody shrub or small tree that grows 5–20 feet tall and has a sparse, open form. It inhabits swamps and other wet areas, pine woods, and shady hardwood forests. Poison sumac leaves consist of 7–13 leaflets arranged in pairs with a single leaflet at the end of the midrib. Distinctive features include reddish stems and petioles. Leaflets are elongated, oval, and have smooth margins. They are 2–4 inches long, 1–2 inches wide, and have a smooth, velvety texture. In early spring, the leaves emerge bright orange. Later, they become dark green and glossy on the upper leaf surface and pale green on the underside. In the early fall, leaves turn a brilliant red-orange or russet shade. The small, yellowish-green flowers are borne in clusters on slender stems arising from the leaf axils. Flowers mature into ivory-white to gray fruits resembling those of poison oak or poison ivy, but they are usually less compact and hang in loose clusters of up to 10–12 inches in length
Individuals vary in their susceptibility to these plants. Some people are not sensitive but may become sensitive after repeated exposure. Symptoms appear within 8–48 hours and can last for weeks. Itching and burning of the skin may be followed by a rash, redness, swelling, and watery blisters. The rash, which can last 2–5 weeks, is not contagious and will not spread. Systemic complications can occur if the blisters become infected.
Over-the-counter skin creams containing the active ingredient bentoquatam to absorb the urushiol oil and can prevent or lessen a reaction if applied before contact. If exposed to the urushiol oil in one of these plants, immediately cleanse exposed skin, tools, shoes, or other items with plenty of warm, soapy water and then rinse thoroughly with plain, cool water. Clothes should be washed thoroughly and separately from other laundry. Minor rashes can be cared for at home with over-the-counter treatments that contain zinc acetate, hydrocortisone, or zinc oxide; oatmeal baths; a paste of baking soda; or oral antihistamines. Severe or infected rashes may need professional medical treatment.
Interaction with these plants is largely preventable. This publication helps individuals learn to identify these plants in order to avoid contact with them. Children should be taught to recognize these plants, particularly poison ivy, as it is by far the most common. Keep in mind that poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac are deciduous, making identification difficult in winter. Nevertheless, the sap from leafless stems and roots is still problematic.
Learn to recognize poisonous plants invading the Wisconsin landscape
Weekly News article published: June 11, 2013 by the Central Office http://dnr.wi.gov/news/Weekly/Article_Lookup.asp?id=2605
MADISON – Two non-native wild plants that are starting to flower in Southern Wisconsin can cause serious harm to people who encounter them, making identification and control of these plants a high priority before they set seed this fall, according to state invasive species specialists.
Poison hemlock and wild parsnip are becoming more common along roadsides and are threatening the integrity of the natural areas as they encroach, says Kelley Kearns, a native plant ecologist with the Department of Natural Resource. “During their flowering stage is the best time to control these plants, specifically by mowing,” Kearns said.
It is said that Greek philosopher Socrates was killed by drinking the juice of poison hemlock. The sap from the plant contains chemical compounds known as neurotoxins that can be absorbed through the skin. The sap of wild parsnip can cause phytophotodermatitis: when skin is exposed to sap in the presence of sunlight, it can cause severe rashes, blisters, and discoloration of the skin.
Both of these plants are members of the carrot family, Apiaceae.
Poison Hemlock
“It’s hard to believe that such unforgiving plants are relatives to some of our most popular garden plants,” Kearns said. “Our edible, garden-grown carrots, parsnips and parsley are all closely to these plants.
Distinguishing these species from their many relatives can be challenging, but Kerns said there are a few defining characteristics that can help aid in identification:
Wild parsnip
Poison hemlock (Conium maculatum)
A defining trait is smooth stems with streaked blotches or purple spots.
Tiny five-petaled white flowers bloom in an umbrela.
Leaves are triangular and broad, but finely divided, giving them a lacy appearance. Wild parsnip (Pastinaca sativa) Small yellow flowers bloom as flat-topped umbels. Leaves are pinnately compound made up of broad, diamond-shaped leaflets, similar to celery.
Kearns said the best time to control these plants is by mowing them when they are in their flowering stage. The plants should be mowed after flowering heads appear, but before seed is produced. Annual mowing treatments will reduce populations over time.
“Due to their toxic chemical constituents, people need to take precautions when dealing with these plants,” Kearns said. “Avoid any direct contact to your skin and minimize inhalation of plant residues. Always wear gloves, long sleeves and pants, as well as safety goggles.”
For more help with identification and photographs, search the DNR website for “poison hemlock,” or “wild parsnip.”
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