For frequent visitors to the forest – especially those who like to get out in the woods – poisonous plants are one of the top hazards you can encounter. Learn to identify and avoid these spoilers.
The Itch that Sticks
There are certain plants in the forest that can cause skin rashes and irritations lasting a week or more. Most of the human population reacts to these plants, and sensitivity in individuals changes over time. People who have never had a reaction in the past should still avoid these plants, since toxins can build up in an immune system, and after a certain level cause a reaction. These plants have oils which cause these reactions in humans. The oil is in the stems, leaves, and berries of the plants and can be transmitted by brushing against the plant, or from secondary contact with animals or clothing. When building fires in the forest with downed wood, be careful not to use wood that has vines on it. Some vines may be poison ivy and the smoke from a burning vine can cause serious respiratory problems in some individuals.
Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron radicans)
Found: along trails, roadsides and woodlands
Appearance: trailing, perennial vine. Can also appear as a small bush or as a groundcover. Does a great job of mimicking hickory leaves as it climbs up trees as a large vine.
Things to Look For: Three leaflets which alternate up the stem. Young leaves have a reddish tint and may have either smooth or jagged edges. Old vines are very hairy. In late summer and fall it will have green to white berries on the vines. A verse learned by many children to help them remember poison ivy is: “Leaves of three, let it be; berries white, poison in sight.” In the fall this vine turns brilliant red. A similar-looking common vine is Virginia Creeper, but Virginia Creeper has five fan-shaped leaflets.
Treatment if Exposed: Rinse area as soon as possible with lots of cool water and soap. Avoid hot water since it opens the skin’s pores more. Do not scrub the area as this will also allow the toxin to get in the pores. Generally a rash appears 12-24 hours after exposure.
Poison Oak (Toxicodendron rydbergii)
Poison Oak is a mostly western U.S. species found in open sunny habitats.
Treatment if Exposed: Rinse area as soon as possible with lots of cool water and soap. Avoid hot water since it opens the skin’s pores more. Do not scrub the area as this will also allow the toxin to get in the pores. Generally a rash appears 12-24 hours after exposure.
Poison Sumac (Toxicodendron vernix)
Found: Swamps or very wet areas. Usually in the shade.
Appearance: Shrub or small tree from 6.5 feet to 23 feet tall.
Things to Look For: Shrub with compound leaves and grayish-white berry clusters in swamps. Appears similiar to the fragrant sumac found along roadsides which has fuzzy red berries.
Treatment if Exposed: Rinse area as soon as possible with lots of cool water and soap. Avoid hot water since it opens the skin’s pores more. Do not scrub the area as this will also allow the toxin to get in the pores. Generally a rash appears 12-24 hours after exposure.
