It’s time for fall color, and we’re starting to see some fall foliage out here in the country.
Our shrubs (sumac and sand plum) and vines (poison ivy and Virginia creeper) are showing orange and red. I sometimes hear people refer to our sumac as poison sumac. Poison sumac isn’t in our area. In fact, the only place in Oklahoma where it could possibly be found is in the swampy areas of southeastern Oklahoma. Poison sumac is found in wet areas, usually swamps. It’s a bush rather than a vine.
Fall Foliage
We have lots of poison ivy, and it will give you the same itch as poison sumac. Because we have so much poison ivy, I do most of my serious trail trimming in the fall and winter when poison ivy is easier to spot because of its color. I don’t get rid of it, though, because the white berries in the spring are eaten by more birds than any other berry out there.
Virginia creeper is sometimes mistaken for poison ivy since it’s a climbing vine like poison ivy. The compound leaf of Virginia creeper has five leaflets (see photo). Poison ivy has three leaflets. Remember the saying, “leaves of three, let it be.”
Sand plums make a delicious, tart jam, similar to Scandinavian lingonberry jam. The plums are ready for picking mid-to-late July.
Read more Nature Notes.
Frequently Asked Questions about Poison Ivy
1. What is poison ivy and how does it cause a rash?
Poison ivy is a plant that contains an oily resin called urushiol, which causes an allergic reaction in most people who come into contact with it. This reaction results in an itchy rash known as allergic contact dermatitis.
2. How can I identify poison ivy?
Poison ivy typically features leaves in groups of three, with the saying “leaves of three, let them be” often used as a reminder. The leaves change color with the seasons: reddish in spring, green in summer, and yellow, orange, or red in fall.
3. How does one get a poison ivy rash without touching the plant directly?
You can get a rash by coming into contact with urushiol on objects like clothing, tools, or pet fur that have touched the plant. The oil can remain active on surfaces for years.
4. What are the symptoms of a poison ivy rash?
Symptoms include itching, redness, swelling, and blisters that may ooze clear fluid. The rash often appears in streaks or lines on the skin and can develop within hours to days after exposure.
5. How should a poison ivy rash be treated?
Immediate washing of the skin with soap and water can help remove urushiol. For mild rashes, cool compresses and calamine lotion can relieve itching. Severe cases may require medical treatment such as prescription steroids[https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/poison-ivy/symptoms-causes/syc-20376485].
6. Is the rash from poison ivy contagious?
The rash itself is not contagious once the urushiol has been absorbed into the skin. However, the oil can be transferred to others through contact with contaminated objects or skin.
7. Can poison ivy be removed safely from my yard?
To remove poison ivy, wear protective clothing and gloves to avoid contact with urushiol. Herbicides can be effective for killing the plant down to its roots. Avoid burning poison ivy as inhaling the smoke can cause severe reactions.
8. Can I be immune to poison ivy?
Sensitivity to urushiol varies among individuals and can change over time. Even if you haven’t reacted before, you may develop a sensitivity later in life.
These FAQs provide essential information about identifying, avoiding, and treating poison ivy exposure effectively.
