POISON IVY – A Dubious Distinction
Poison Ivy, a noxious weed the source of many negative anecdotes. Such as my brother-in-law bedridden, covered head to toe. Not funny. Or those who used the leaves while in the bush due to a lack of toilet paper. You get the drift.
The native to Ontario plant’s oily sap produces a terribly itchy red rash that once scratched bleeds more sap and spreads – over your body. If you scratch the itch bacteria under your fingernails may lead to a pus forming infection. Evidently wildlife that feed upon this plant are immune to such pleasures.
It appears that Robert Fedrock, of Paris Ontario (“You have to pass Ayr to get to Paris”) has discovered the Guinness World Record Poison Ivy plant, as of March 12, 2023; the tallest one globally, measuring 20.75 meters (68.08’) – or the approximate length of two school buses.
Fedrock was clearing a walking trail through the bush on his farm near Paris, Ontario when he encountered the humungous plant. He wasn’t sure what it was. “The vine is so big that at eye level it really looks like a hairy creature from Stranger Things,” he told CBC Host Nil Koksal of As It Happens. Looking up he saw the tell-tale three-leaf plant climbing a white ash.
Fedrock finds the plant majestic and has no plans to cut it down – no mean feat in itself; either leaving it or cutting. He reported it to Guinness in hopes that people would look for taller ones. “The more people know about plants around them, you know, the more respect they have for the environment and more interest in it,” he added.
The allergic reaction to Poison Ivy is caused by an oily resin called urushiol (u-ROO-she-ol) found in the three leaves, stems and roots. It is also found in Poison Oak and Poison Sumac. If you come in contact with this sap wash your skin immediately as you may avoid the rash. Wash under your fingernails as well. The itchy rash can last for weeks. Soothing lotions and cool baths help alleviate the itch. You may require prescription medication if the rash is severe or spreads to your face or genitals.
Do NOT try burning the plant. If you inhale the smoke you may have trouble breathing. The red rash itches, swells, blisters and often appears in a straight line due to the way the leaves brush against your skin. If you touch resin covered items such as clothing or pet fur the rash may fan out. Again, beware spreading it over your body with your hands. The reaction develops 12-48 hours after exposure and lasts 2-3 weeks. The severity depends upon the amount of urushiol on your skin.
Medical Intervention
You should see a physician if you have inhaled smoke from burning poison ivy and are having trouble breathing. Also, if your reaction is severe or widespread; your skin continues to swell; the rash affects your eyes, mouth or genitals and blisters ooze pus. Plus, if you develop a fever (37.8C or 100F) or the rash does not get better within a few weeks.
Some Scenarios
If you walk through a patch of this plant and later touch your shoes, and shoelaces, you may encounter the sap which you could transfer to your face and other body parts. If the contaminated object isn’t cleaned the urushiol on it can still cause a skin reaction years later. Beware pet fur and if your cat wanders freely…as opposed to being a strictly house cat.
Ideally, contaminated clothing can be cleaned in a washing machine. Wash gardening tools that come in contact with this plant – and anything else!
Prevention
Obviously, learn how to ID this plant and avoid it. Try to hike on clear pathways. Wear socks, long pants and long sleeved shirts. Keep Fido leashed and away from such patches. If you have poison ivy on your property do your research before attempting to remove it. Don’t burn as urushiol can be carried by the smoke.
Some of the above is courtesy of the Mayo Clinic.