Common Name(s):
Toxicodendron radicans, also known as Eastern Poison Ivy, Poison Ivy, Poison Oak
Phonetic Spelling:
toks-ee-ko-DEN-dron RAD-ee-kans
Description:
Poison ivy, a widespread North American plant, causes itchy rashes through its urushiol oil. Found in various habitats, it can be a shrub or climbing vine with distinctive three-leaf clusters. While beneficial to wildlife, avoid contact as touching, smoke inhalation, or even indirect contact can trigger a reaction. Removal includes mechanical methods or herbicides as a last resort.
Remember: “Leaves of three, let it be” and never touch any part of the plant.
Poison Severity & Symptoms:
High, Touching, or inhaling poison ivy, especially its leaves and young parts, triggers allergic reactions due to urushiol oils. These oils cause intense itching, blistering, and inflammation that can last weeks.
Environmental Concerns:
Poison ivy is poised to be one of the big winners in this global, human-caused phenomenon. Scientists expect the three-leafed vine will take full advantage of warmer temperatures and rising levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere to grow faster and bigger — and become even more toxic. This is extremely harmful to animals as well as humans and other mammals.
Citation(s):
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/toxicodendron-radicans
Learn More:
clean air, ecology, environment, jat-namu, Michigan, plants, Trees
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