Poison Ivy

By Al Lowe
Contributor

Unfortunately, Poison Ivy (Rhus radicans), is fairly common in all of Ontario. However, we are not alone in having this irritating plant in our midst - it grows in many part of Canada from Manitoba to the Maritimes. It is quite common on the banks of some of our rivers, and around our lakes.
To describe this plant is not easy. It has several forms. It may appear as a short (several inches) plant covering a whole area, but sometimes it grows as a vine, covering fences and trees. But the most common form, and the one which I have personally seen in our area, is that of a fairly tall, shrub-like plant about two feet high or so. It produces small whitish flowers which eventually develop into clusters of small waxy-looking white berries. These can stay on the plant all winter, providing food for over 50 species of birds, which are unaffected by the irritating oil. In the fall the leaves turn orange and scarlet and are really quite pretty in the autumn woods.
Not everyone is affected by Poison Ivy. Most people who are, get a itchy red rash for a few days. There are some who are most affected than others. These folk will develop blisters - large and watery, which may cover much of the body, and not just the part which touched to ivy. And there are an unfortunate few who have very serious effects indeed - oozing sores followed by scabs, high temperatures and generally very bad allergenic reactions.
The cause of all of this is an oil in the plant. The oil is in all parts of it. It can be obtained by touching your clothes which have brushed against the plant, or from the fur of your dog if he had run through some ivy, as well as from the plant itself. It can even be transmitted in the smoke from burning leaves. A little bit goes a long way with this plant.
The common way of identifying Poison Ivy is by its leaves. The leaf consists of three leaflets, the centre one having the longest stalk. The leaves themselves may have fairly smooth edges, or fine or coarse teeth. The leaves are often shiny, though not always. The underside is usually hairy, but again, not always. The new leaves in the spring may have a reddish tinge, but mature leaves are a deep, rich green. As I said earlier, it is not an easy plant to describe because of its wide variations.
Small amounts of Poison Ivy can be eliminated by digging and pulling up the roots, it you keep well covered and wear good gloves. But the best way is to kill the entire plant by spraying. Consult your local Departments of Agriculture for complete information on that aspect.
Meanwhile, to be on the safe side, just remember this “Leaflets three, let it be.”