Poison Ivy / Poison Oak

Symptoms:

Poison Ivy and Poison Oak Cause Similar Symptoms.

Some common symtoms include:

• A red rash.
• Swelling.
• Skin irritation.
• Blistering in some cases.
• As the skin heals, it may crack.

Treatment:

• Apply calamine lotion to soothe irritated skin.
• Wash the affected area with soap and water to remove the plant’s oil.
• Place a cool, damp cloth on your skin to help relieve discomfort and cool your skin.

What Causes the Itchiness?

The itchiness comes from an oil in the plant called urushiol.

How Can I Prevent Coming into Contact with these Plants?

• Stay on marked paths when outdoors.
• Wear protective clothing.

 

A green poison ivy plant displaying three red, glossy leaflets.

Appearance of Poison Ivy:

Poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) is the most recognized poisonous plant in Virginia. It grows throughout the state and always has compound leaves with three leaflets. In spring, new leaves may look reddish or shiny, but they become less shiny as they mature.

Identification

• Poison ivy often appears as a hairy, rope-like vine with three leaves and a thin stem.
• It can have whitish-yellow berries.
• The leaves change color depending on the season.

Habitat

• Poison ivy can grow as a climbing or spreading vine, and sometimes as a small shrub. The vines look fuzzy because of their aerial roots, which help them stick to trees. In rich, moist soil, these vines can become thick and reach the tops of trees.

Effects and Precautions

• All Toxicodendron species can cause an itchy rash after contact. The oily chemical urushiol spreads easily on your skin or from things like clothing, tools, or pets that have come into contact with the plant. This means you might get a rash in places you did not expect. Washing with soap and water, or a special cleanser, as soon as possible after contact can remove the oil and lower the risk of a rash. Every part of poison ivy contains urushiol, which can cause itching, redness, or blisters in some people.

 

A cluster of poison oak plants displays leaves with distinct ridged margins.

Appearance of Poison Oak:

Identification

• Poison oak usually grows as a short shrub, about 2 to 4 feet tall. Its leaves have three leaflets, resembling white oak leaves with wavy edges. The leaves can feel fuzzy underneath and may turn yellow or orange in the fall.
• In early spring, poison oak has small yellowish flowers. Later in the season, these turn into greenish-white berries.
• Poison oak (Toxicodendron pubescens) grows in Virginia, mostly in dry, sandy, or rocky places. Touching it can cause allergic reactions.

Habitat

• Poison oak is not as common as poison ivy in Virginia, but you can find it in forests, thickets, and dry, sandy fields. It likes well-drained soil and often grows in open or wooded spots.

Effects and Precautions

• Every part of poison oak has urushiol, an oily substance that can cause a strong skin reaction in some people. If you touch the plant, you might get itching, redness, or blisters.