Skip directly to site content Skip directly to page options Skip directly to A-Z link. Section Navigation. Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Syndicate. Poisonous Plants: Geographic Distribution. Minus Related Pages. Geographic Distribution One or more of the most common poisonous plant species are found throughout the United States except Alaska and Hawaii. In fact, poison ivy can be found in every U. Poison ivy looks differently during each phase of its growth cycle.
When poison ivy starts to blossom in the spring, its leaves may be red or a mixture of red and green. Some people confuse these early blossoming leaves with fragrant sumac, a shrub that grows red leaves. As the weather gets warmer and poison ivy continues to mature, older leaves will become completely green, but new leaf growth will continue to start out as red.
Variances in shape will also be apparent. In some instances, poison ivy leaves may appear deeply ridged along its edges, mimicking other plants such as Virginia creeper or oak leaves. Individual plants may grow quite high. It can also spread in large areas on the ground. As the days shorten and temperature drops, poison ivy will change color to bright orange, yellow, or red.
The roots can become or remain exposed and look either hairy or completely bare. The roots, which can also cause a rash, can continue to lengthen and grow by attaching themselves to trees, walls, or ground cover. Like poison ivy, poison oak contains urushiol, the oil that causes allergic reactions to occur.
Poison oak very closely resembles poison ivy. It usually has three leaves but can have as many as seven leaves per cluster. These leaves can be green, red, or a combination of both. They may also have a textured, slightly hairy appearance. Most people are highly allergic to this plant throughout its entire growth cycle and in all seasons, including winter.
There are two types of poison ivy, Eastern and Western. Despite their names, you can find both scattered throughout the country, since they interbreed. Physical characteristics of the plant to keep in mind include:. A good rule to follow is: If you think it may be poison ivy, stay away!
Poison ivy is a woody perennial and can be found in different forms. It may grow as a low, spreading shrub with fine stems. It may also grow as an upright, three foot tall shrub, or it may grow as a woody vine. Vines attach to tree trunks by way of aerial roots that make the vine look like a fuzzy rope. Rash, itch and blisters, OH MY!!!! The American Academy of Dermatology reports about 85 percent of people who come in contact with poison ivy will develop a rash.
An allergic reaction is a response to a plant oil call urushiol. Urushiol is found in all parts of the plant and is released whenever the plant is crushed or bruised. When urushiol oil contacts skin, it can cause an allergic reaction, ranging from reddening and swelling, to blistering or open sores. Reactions will vary depending upon the sensitivity of the individual. Contrary to popular belief, the rash caused by poison ivy is not spread by contact with open sores. However, the tacky oil is persistent and can be spread indirectly by contact with pets, garden tools, garden gloves, shoes, golf balls, or any other object that has come in contact with a bruised poison ivy plant.
Urushiol oil also persists in dormant and dead plants. Poison ivy should never be burned since the smoke can carry the oil and cause problems to anyone inhaling the smoke. The use of a string trimmer or chainsaw can result in the splattering of urushiol and cause a severe rash. Protect yourself from poison ivy. The best way to protect yourself from poison ivy is to be able to recognize the plant and either stay away or take the necessary precautions to limit exposure.
When attempting to control poison ivy, one should dress appropriately as discussed above. Physical or mechanical strategies are not encouraged for the control of poison ivy due to the risk of allergic reaction.
An application of an herbicide will control plants and reduce the risk of an allergic reaction. Herbicides that contain the active ingredient glyphosate and triclopyr will effectively control poison ivy. Grasses are tolerant of triclopyr, therefore the use of triclopyr would be selected over glyphosate in areas where the product may contact lawn grasses.
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