Poison Ivy
Poison Ivy (Rhus radicans toxicodendron rydbergii) is a woody deciduous shrub.
- From creeping roots, stems rise to 0.5 to 2m, but most often 0.5 to 1.0 m in our area.
- Clusters of poison ivy tend to colonize nearby areas.
- Pointed, smooth or lighly-toothed, veined green leaves in groups of 3 grow near the ends of stems.
- Leaves are shiny green in late spring and summer, then turn red in the fall.
- Small inconspicuous yellow-white flowers emerge in clusters at the base of the leaves.
- Smooth, white berries form in the late summer.
- Poison ivy is poisonous and contact with the plant will cause rashes.
- Anyone allergic to poison ivy may have more severe symptoms.
- It is thought that the chances of rash are lessened when the leaves fall off, but it would still be wise to avoid the stems and berries in late fall and winter since volatile oils may still be found in the sap.
- The adage is “leaves of three, let them be.” It is best to learn to recognize it to avoid any problems at another time.
- Poison ivy is very common in our area. There are large swaths of it near Tranquille River, Peterson Creek, McArthur Island, and in many gullies and shorelines around Kamloops.