Summer has come again and all of us are making our way back into nature. This means dealing with harmful insects, animals, and even plants. There are many plants - such as poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac- that can be difficult to identify. This can lead to a lot of hassle when entering the outdoors. For all of you who have trouble knowing your poisons, here is a rough guide to help keep you safe from all those itchy rashes:
Poison Ivy
Here we have a plant that typically grows as a vine or shrub and can be found in much of North America. It varies in color and shape, depending on the time of year, and contains groups of three leaves. Poison ivy may have yellow or green leaves and grow white to green-yellow berries. Such plants can cause a rash that usually disappears in one to three weeks.
Poison Oak
Here we have a plant that grows as a vine or shrub and can be found in the western U.S. and British Columbia. It is similar to poison ivy with its leaf arrangements in clusters of three. Also, they can resemble that of oak tree leaves. Poison oak also causes a rash that usually disappears in one to three weeks.
Poison Sumac
Here we have a plant that grows as a shrub or small tree and can be found in very wet areas in the eastern/southeastern U.S. Its leaves are arranged in pairs, with each stem containing seven to 13 leaves. Another distinguished physical feature includes a reddish stem. Poison sumac can cause a more severe rash than that of poison ivy and poison oak.
It is important to note that the rashes for all poisons are not contagious. Initial treatment for all types of poison is thoroughly washing the area exposed. Other treatments include a cool compress, topical ointments to relieve itching, oral antihistamines, and steroid creams (for more severe rashes). If you have a serious reaction, which can include swelling, you should seek medical attention immediately.
I hope this helps give you all an idea of the three poisons out there. Remember, stay safe and if you are in doubt, steer clear. Moreover, I encourage everyone to do their research. Knowledge is power, after all.
