Leaflets Three, Let It Be! Posion Ivy

Toxicodendron radicans. The mere sound of that is bad. This is the scientific name of poison ivy. It combines the Latin word toxico meaning “poisonous” and the Greek word dendron meaning “tree” with the latin root radicans meaning "from the root."  So essentially we have a poisonous, rooting tree.  Clearly, this is not nearly as nice sounding as Evening primrose or Beach plum and should be a clear warning to stay away from the plant. With the warm weather and everyone spending lots of time outside, knowing this plant can save days and even weeks of itchy misery. While some lucky people are not sensitive to the oil in the plant that causes the rash, others (this blogger included), are not so fortunate.  The plant is pretty easy to recognize but can sometimes be surprising in growth form. It can grow as a creeper along the ground, a small shrub, or even a very tall vine reaching almost to the top of a tree. The old adage "leaflets three, let it be" is a good start. In late fall and winter, the added phrase "berries white, poisonous sight" can also be helpful. There are other plants with three leaves that look similar but once you are familiar with the plant, it should be easy to tell it apart and to stay away from it. At this time of the year, posion ivy is growing vigorously and is everywhere, but with a little care, you can avoid the plant. It is actually quite attractive with lush shiny green leaves and reddish stems and white berries in the fall. But don't be deceived. If you are allergic to the oil in the plant (all parts contain it from roots to leaves), and come in contact, you will be miserable, guaranteed. 

While searching for some information for this post, I came across this description of the effect of the oil called Urushiol on our skin from the National Library of Medicine Toxicology Data Network. Here goes - An allergic contact dermatitis develops usually within 24 to 48 hours of exposure in previously sensitized individuals. The dermatitis is characterized by intense pruritis and redness, followed by appearance of papules, vesicles, and bullae in severe cases. These lesions often erupt in multiple, streak-like arrangements. (It should be noted that the fluid contained in these lesions is devoid of antigenic potential.) Dermatitis may be accompanied by severe edema. The course of the dermatitis is usually self-limiting, lasting approximately 1 to 2 weeks.

Okay, let me boil (no pun intended) down what I take from this description based upon years of personal experience with the plant.  Contact with poison ivy will result in a severe, awful looking, miserably itchy, sometimes oozing rash that will make it hard to think of anything but scratching during the day and keep you awake at night. 

There are plenty of remedies for the itch, some over the counter, some that require a doctor, but learning the plant and avoiding it is by far the best remedy.  

On a wildlife note, poison ivy has high value to lots of different species. The berries are eaten by many birds, the leaves and twigs are browsed by deer and rabbits and the flowers are reported to be an important nectar source for bees and other pollinators.  There is also a small moth known as the Eyed Paectes Moth, that has caterpillars that feed on the leaves. This moth is quite common in East Brunswick and can often be seen at backyard lights in the summer. It's an interesting little moth with a swirl of brown, tan and gray on the wings. I've included a photo of one I collected in my backyard on July 27, 2003.