Itchy, Itchy, Itchy!

text and photos : Norma A. Hubbard  (June 2014)

I remember my botany professor telling us “three leaves, leave it be”. While there are many three-leaf plants in our area, I have learned to identity one three-leaf plant, poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans), as matter of necessity. I am among the approximately 85% of the population who are allergic to poison ivy. Don’t get too excited if you are currently not allergic, as this can change with time. It is also believed that after each exposure, our reaction becomes more severe. I can certainly attest to that belief!

Poison ivy is very invasive and is widespread across Canada, except for Newfoundland. It grows on just about any type of land – even rocky or sandy – it doesn’t need good soil to flourish. It can be found in our forests and along roadsides. Poison ivy is a perennial and grows from an underground root system that makes it very hard to control. It is a woody vine that can climb trees and rock walls.

It is the urushiol oil that causes that horrible, itchy rash that can blister. Urushiol is found in all parts of the plant – leaves, vines, and even roots! When we moved here it was late fall, so in the spring I was unaware that the dead vines I was clearing off the rock wall was poison ivy. I was wearing gloves, but as the day heated up, I used my gloved hands to push up my sleeves; by evening both my lower arms were covered in rashes that blistered within a few days.

If you come in contact with poison ivy, wash the infected area with soap and water. It is important to note that the oil stays on clothing and tools and can be transferred upon contact. Even our animals – who are not allergic – can be carriers if they run through poison ivy. Any contaminated clothing should be removed and washed, being careful of areas that may have urushiol. Calamine lotion, cold compressions, or soda/oatmeal baths can help with the itching; for severe reactions you must see a doctor. I use a prescribed cortisone cream. The rash does not spread by the blisters, only the urushiol causes the rash, which is so potent only one nanogram (billionth of a gram) can cause a rash!

It is very difficult to get rid of poison ivy. We used a tractor with a backhoe to dig up most it, and I have continued to dig up, by hand, the plants as they reappear. I have used herbicides, but with extreme caution because I want the butterflies and birds to live! An environment-friendly method is to use a vinegar and salt solution, but it takes time and needs to be reapplied often. Never burn poison ivy; the smoke, if inhaled, can cause damage to the lungs. Plus we cannot compost it; it must be put in the garbage. I used old dark lined soil bags to collect it.

The best way to avoid getting a rash from poison ivy is to learn to recognize it. In spring the leaves have a reddish hue and are very shiny. Later in the summer, the leaves are dark green and have a waxy look. It gets white flowers, and then green berries that later turn creamy white. Poison ivy does have three leaves, so when in doubt, leave it be!

Source: Government of Canada