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Many people get into trouble with poison ivy because they do not know what it looks like or how to treat it. It is not actually ivy, which is where some get confused. It is a type of vine that is very woody and grows low to the ground. Any contact with it, no matter how brief, will probably cause a rash. Some people are naturally immune to the effects of the compound it produces that irritates skin, but most are not.

If you know where it is expected to grow, you can be on the lookout for it. It grows only in North America, from Canada straight down into Mexico. The woods are the most dangerous place for it, especially on the edges where trees start to thin out. This is because there is a bit more sunlight there so it does really well. However, you can also find it on flat grassy areas like meadows or even on rocky terrain. The only place you do not have to worry about it is on the top of a mountain. It does not grow that well up that high, though everywhere else is fair game.

Recognition of the plant is key for any person who loves the outdoors. The ivy itself looks harmless. There is nothing about it that would naturally indicate danger. It is always in bundles of three leaflets. They have an almond shape (pointy at one end, rounded at the other) with no teeth to serrate the edges. Many people say it is red, but this is only when it first buds in spring and when it starts to die in autumn. During most of spring and summer it goes from light to dark green.

Each bundle comes in an alternating pattern on the vine. You may note that the leaves are slightly shiny, which is the substance the plant makes which gives you such discomfort if you come in to contact with it. It is also a plant that produces a fruit, which many people do not realize. There is often a small gray or white berry on the plant.

A great way to tell if a plant you see is safe or not is to look at the stem or vine. These vines have reddish hair like protrusions the whole length. Often you may not notice them because they climb up trees and you could think it is part of the bark. All tree climbers should be aware. One might also notice that the leaves themselves will have a single notch on one side which makes it look like a mitten.

Do your research. There are tons of other tips to help you identify the plants. Many rhymes are taught to children for easy memorization. One interesting tip is that butterflies are often drawn to the plant and have no reaction to the itchy substance. If you see a butterfly land on a plant you may worry is poison ivy, stay away from it.

Now that you understand all about the looks of ivy, you should learn how to treat the rash if you accidentally stumble across some. It is an experience most people will go through at least once in their lives, given how commonly it grows in the summer. If you experience anything more than a rash, go to the hospital. Severe allergies could shut down your respiratory system or cause black outs.

Keeping your hands away from the rash is the best way to keep from scratching and spreading the substance to other parts of your body. Buy some over-the-counter itch creams that say they are designed for this specific rash. You can also take an oatmeal bath which will soothe you in the way it soothes people with chicken pox.

Tags: gardening, garden