Poison ivy is emerging RIGHT NOW, and by the time you notice it, it’s too late.
“LEAVES OF THREE, LET IT BE” — but it’s more nuanced than that:
→ Three leaflets per leaf group (the middle leaflet has a longer stem)
→ In spring: reddish/bronze colored, shiny
→ In summer: green, less shiny
→ In fall: bright red/orange
→ In winter: hairy vine on trees with NO leaves (STILL TOXIC)
→ Can be a groundcover, shrub, or climbing vine
The oil (urushiol) facts:
→ ONE BILLIONTH of a gram causes a rash in sensitive people
→ 85% of Americans are allergic
→ Oil remains active on surfaces for 1-5 YEARS
→ On tools, gloves, shoes, dog fur, clothing
→ You can get a rash in JANUARY from touching a vine you cut in JUNE
→ Burning poison ivy creates toxic smoke that can cause lung inflammation
APRIL PREP:
→ Learn to identify it NOW while leaves are small and distinct
→ Check fence lines, garden edges, tree bases, and woodland borders
→ Wear gloves when clearing brush
→ Wash tools with rubbing alcohol after yard work
→ If your dog walked through it: bathe the dog (urushiol transfers from fur to skin)
→ Wash exposed skin with COLD water and dish soap within 30 minutes
NOT POISON IVY:
→ Virginia creeper (5 leaflets, not 3)
→ Box elder seedlings (opposite leaf arrangement)
→ Blackberry (thorns — poison ivy has none)
It’s growing in your yard right now.
Small. Reddish. Harmless-looking.
Learn to recognize it THIS WEEK.
Before it recognizes you.
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