POISON IVY
POISON IVY IDENTIFICATION
Poison ivy is a tricky plant to identify. It varies in size, shape, and color, and looks different depending on the season and location. It can carpet the ground, form bushes, and climb trees. So how can you avoid an unpleasant encounter? One way to learn to identify this plant is through sheer experience - to see it in its many forms, as well as similar-looking plants. You normally do this by walking through Wolf Prairie or listening to catchy songs over and over (yes that is the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air beat). In general, Poison Ivy plants have three broad, spoon-shaped leaves or leaflets, although this may not always be the case. The two outer leaves have "thumbs" on their outer side and the middle leaf has two "thumbs". CLICK the link below to improve your Poison Ivy identification skills! |
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BENEFITS OF POISON IVY?
Yes! Benefits, but not to YOU!
Poison ivy provide sustenance for a variety of animal species. Mainly the deer and the birds. It creates white berries for the birds in Wolf Prairie! The best part is that Poison Ivy berries withstand the winter and become very crucial for the survival for organisms. Cottontail rabbits feed on the twigs and bark of the plant. Other animals that eat Poison Ivy include squirrels, goats, insects, and turkeys. Some moth species use Poison Ivy plants to protect and shelter their larvae in the period they pupate due to the fact that only very small critters get close to the Poison Ivy. Also, bees gather nectar from Poison Ivy that creates an edible bitter honey. Some Native Americans used Poison Ivy to weave baskets, and sap from dye of the plants. Ashes of the plants were also used for temporary tattoos!
Yes! Benefits, but not to YOU!
Poison ivy provide sustenance for a variety of animal species. Mainly the deer and the birds. It creates white berries for the birds in Wolf Prairie! The best part is that Poison Ivy berries withstand the winter and become very crucial for the survival for organisms. Cottontail rabbits feed on the twigs and bark of the plant. Other animals that eat Poison Ivy include squirrels, goats, insects, and turkeys. Some moth species use Poison Ivy plants to protect and shelter their larvae in the period they pupate due to the fact that only very small critters get close to the Poison Ivy. Also, bees gather nectar from Poison Ivy that creates an edible bitter honey. Some Native Americans used Poison Ivy to weave baskets, and sap from dye of the plants. Ashes of the plants were also used for temporary tattoos!
Why does poison ivy make me itch?
Poison ivy release an oil, urushiol, when the leaf or other plant parts are bruised, damaged, or burned. When the oil gets on the skin an allergic reaction, referred to as contact dermatitis, occurs in most exposed people as an itchy red rash with bumps or blisters. When exposed to 50 micrograms of urushiol, an amount that is less than one grain of table salt, 80 to 90 percent of people will develop a rash. The rash, depending upon where it occurs and how broadly it is spread, may significantly impede or prevent a person from working. Although over-the-counter topical medications may relieve symptoms for most people, immediate medical attention may be required for severe reactions, particularly when exposed to the smoke from burning these poisonous plants. Burning these poisonous plants can be very dangerous because the allergens can be inhaled, causing lung irritation.
Poison ivy release an oil, urushiol, when the leaf or other plant parts are bruised, damaged, or burned. When the oil gets on the skin an allergic reaction, referred to as contact dermatitis, occurs in most exposed people as an itchy red rash with bumps or blisters. When exposed to 50 micrograms of urushiol, an amount that is less than one grain of table salt, 80 to 90 percent of people will develop a rash. The rash, depending upon where it occurs and how broadly it is spread, may significantly impede or prevent a person from working. Although over-the-counter topical medications may relieve symptoms for most people, immediate medical attention may be required for severe reactions, particularly when exposed to the smoke from burning these poisonous plants. Burning these poisonous plants can be very dangerous because the allergens can be inhaled, causing lung irritation.
What to do if you touch poison ivy:
If you think you have touched poison ivy, rinse your skin with cool water right away. Then, wash it with soap and water. Rinse your skin well. Do not use hot water because it may cause the oil to spread on your skin. You may also put rubbing alcohol or a solution of 1/2 alcohol and 1/2 water on your skin. This may help your rash to be less severe when it breaks out on your skin.
REMOVAL OF POISON IVY
If Poison seems to be a constant bother. You may need to remove it. Note that poison ivy is a native plant with great wildlife value. Humans are the only species to be allergic to poison ivy so if it is in an area that does not bother you, leave it. Repeated pulling might be needed, since some roots can be missed.
1) Apply a poison ivy block product on your skin. Remember to wear protective gear when handling poison ivy, long-handled gardening tools are preffered. Long pants and long-sleeved shirt would be most beneficial.
2) Soak the area with the poison ivy plant with water. You can also wait for a rainy day!
3) Gather up a lot of big, heavy plastic mall shopping bags; not the thinner supermarket varieties. Slip a bag over each hand, locate where a vine enters the soil and pull SLOWLY with one of your bagged hand and the vine should come right up for you. If it resists, have a helper soak the soil around the base of the vine with a garden hose. Don't touch ANYTHING—especially your face! When you get the root (or the vine finally snaps), fold the bag in your other hand back over the ivy, and then drop the vine and both the bags that are now around it into a trashcan. Don't re-use your hand bags. Start with fresh ones every time.
4) Immediately, go sanitize your self, baths would be more effective. Scrub all areas with possible contact. For more guaranteed safety, apply more poison ivy block.
5) Go back and repeat the process, if any spots were missed. Repeat all steps until satisfied.
Congrats!!!! You're officially a Poison Ivy master!
But always remember...