Poison Ivy Symptoms, Remedies and More

By shirley

Reviewed: dr. stavarache

Article Sources

Article Sources

• 1. 1. 'Poisonous Plants - Geographic Distribution.' Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 June 2018, www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/plants/geographic.html

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Poison ivy is a plant that's found almost anywhere, from wetlands, woodlands and fields to backyards, parks and urban areas. It produces a sticky, colorless, odorless oil called urushiol, which is released when the plant is disturbed and easily transferred to the skin of a person or animal inadvertently brushing against the plant.

Although the oil isn't poisonous, and some people have no reaction when they come in contact with it, most develop an allergic reaction when they're exposed to urushiol. The characteristic itchy rash is mostly an annoyance, but sometimes complications arise that require medical attention.¹1. ‘Poisonous Plants - Geographic Distribution.’ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 June 2018, www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/plants/geographic.html

What Does Poison Ivy Plant Look Like?

The poison ivy plant's distinguishing characteristic is its three-leaf configuration. Ovular with pointed tips, the leaves are green and shiny during the spring and summer, typically turning yellow or red in autumn. They produce small, yellow or greenish flowers, and waxy-looking, green or grayish-white berries form in the flower clusters.

This perennial plant grows as a vine or a shrub. Eastern poison ivy is a climbing vine that grows up to 12 feet in length. Its stems sport aerial roots, which give them a fuzzy appearance. Western poison ivy is a shrub that may grow up to 2 feet tall.¹1. ‘Poisonous Plants - Geographic Distribution.’ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 June 2018, www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/plants/geographic.html