Poison Ivy

Poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) is responsible for much discomfort of many people annually due to accidental poisoning. This painful experience can be avoided if individuals are able to recognize poison ivy and avoid making contact with it.

Knowledge is gained easily by anyone who will study pictures and general descriptions of the plant. Children should be taught at an early age to recognize and avoid it.

Poison ivy plants vary throughout the United States. They grow in the form of woody vines attached to trees or other object of support, as trailing shrubs mostly on the ground, or as erect woody shrubs entirely without support. They may flourish in woods where moisture is plentiful or in very dry soil.

Leaf forms among poison ivy plants or even the same plant may vary a little in shape or size. However, the leaves are always found in clusters of three. Only one three-part leaf leads off from each node on the stem and never occurs in pairs on the stem. White flowers appear in clusters on slender stems in the axis of the leaves in the spring and produce groups of white or cream colored berries. This fruit is a significant identifying characteristic.

Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) is commonly confused with poison ivy. However, it is a harmless plant that has five leaflets growing out of one point where they are attached to the vine. Virginia creeper has blue berries. It is found growing in the home surroundings on houses, fences, trees, and in other places where poison ivy is observed.

Chemical sprays, known as herbicides, are effective in killing the poison ivy plant, especially during the months of June and July. When these materials are used, they should be applied when there is little or no air movement so as to prevent the herbicide from drifting onto desirable adjacent plants. A coarse spray should be used under low pressure to thoroughly wet the foliage, but the soil should not be drenched. More than one application may be required each season for adequate control.

To control poison ivy that has attached itself to a tree, cut the vine at the base of the tree and spray the stump and ground foliage rather than spraying the tree trunk, as excessive amounts of certain chemicals may be harmful to the tree. More than one application may be necessary for adequate control.

Before using any herbicide, always read the directions on the label and follow the manufacturer's instructions.