Poison Ivy Safety

Poison ivy during the summer phase

Photo courtesy US Fish and Wildlife Service

"I Thought it Was Just a Leaf..."

Here's a helpful rhyme about Poison Ivy, or Rhus radicans; Leaves of three, let them be. Poison ivy grows plentifully in the park, along roadsides, trails, the river, and the edges of fields and parking lots, as a vine or a low shrub. The leaves are red in early spring, shiny green in summer, and an attractive red or orange in the fall. Each leaf consists of three leaflets. Most people are sensitive in varying degrees to the sap of this plant, which makes skin itch, blister, and swell.

Poison ivy is an important food source for wildlife. Poison ivy produces low quality fruit, that which is low in lipid content. Migrating birds in the fall eat some of the berries; however they feed mostly on high quality fruits, those with high lipid content. This leaves berries for the winter resident bird species to feed on when other foods are scarce. Small bees and flies pollinate the flowers in the spring. Insects feed on the plant, and caterpillars from moths feed on the leaves. Larval insects spin silk to roll and fold the leaves of poison ivy over to enclose them for the pupa stage.

All parts of poison ivy contain a dangerous skin irritant which is poisonous to the touch at all seasons. Between 8 and 48 hours after touching the plant or coming in contact with other objects that have touched the plant, a rash develops from an allergic reaction to urushiol which is the poison ivy oil. The rash is red and looks like lines or streaks and has bumps that are filled with fluid, or large areas that are raised. This rash is uncomfortable and itchy. It is not contagious, however, and can only be spread through contact with more urushiol, not by touching the rash or fluid from the blisters.

Wet compresses, taking a cool bath, and applying calamine lotion will help sooth the rash. Treatment by a health professional may be necessary if the rash is moderate or severe, or if infection occurs. To help prevent infection avoid scratching the rash.

To prevent exposure while visiting Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, it is important to be able to recognize poison ivy. Be alert to the many forms of poison ivy. Avoid all plants, bushes and climbing vines with three leaves that may have smooth or rough edges, which may be shiny or dull in appearance. It is also important to remember that even though the plant is dormant in the winter, with only sticks and roots, it still contains the same amount of urushiol as in the summertime.

Do not touch these plants, or make contact with them with your clothing, hat or backpack. Long pants, enclosed shoes, long sleeves, and vinyl gloves can help create a barrier between the plant and your skin. If your skin has been touched by poison ivy wash it immediately with water. The sooner you can do this the better; however, you may still be able to wash your skin for up to 4 hours after contact, which may help prevent your skin from breaking out later with a rash. When you get home, carefully put your clothes in the washer, while avoiding touching the clothing parts that may have the plant oil on them. Have a great visit to this park and stay poison ivy free!

Prevention Tips

• Avoid contact with all parts of the plant.
• If exposed, wash the affected skin with soap and water as soon as possible. It takes several minutes for the sap to penetrate the skin.
• If exposed and showing a skin reaction, wash with over-the-counter remedies such as Technu, or Ivy Guard, and apply calamine lotion to dry the affected area.
• Remember: Leaves of three, let them be. Avoid plants with three leaflets.