Michigan’s summer climate provides ideal growing conditions for many flowers and other plants we enjoy — and for a few poisonous, three-leafed plants we all could do without.
In Michigan, two types of poison ivy spread throughout yards and forests: eastern poison ivy, which grows throughout the Lower Peninsula, and western poison ivy, which grows mostly in northern areas, including the Upper Peninsula, according to Michigan State University’s Extension.
Though the common phrase: “leaves of three, let it be” is catchy enough to recall poison ivy’s appearance, there are other aspects that allow you to distinguish it from look-a-likes that are harmless.
Being able to identify — and avoid — poison ivy will spare you from an itchy red rash that could last weeks. The rash is an allergic reaction to the oil called urushiol in the leaves, stems and roots of the plant, the Mayo Clinic said.
In addition to poison ivy, there are a few other related plants that can cause the same allergic rash: poison oak and poison sumac.
With the plants lurking on forest grounds or wrapped around trees, here is what you should know.
What does poison ivy look like? How to ID the plant
Poison ivy belongs to the Anacardiaceae family, and there are about 30 species that grow in the Americas, but mostly Asia, according to the American Museum of Natural History. Its relatives are poison oak and sumac, mango and the cashew nut.
In addition to its three leaves, here are details of both the western and eastern poison ivy plants based on MSU’s Extension and the American Museum of Natural History:
What does a poison ivy rash look like? How long does it last?
The rash develops 12 to 48 hours after contact, and can last two to three weeks, according to the Mayo Clinic. It often appears in a straight line because of the way the plant brushes against your skin. But if you develop a rash after touching a piece of clothing or pet fur that has urushiol on it, the rash may be more spread out. You can also transfer the oil to other parts of your body with your fingers.
Here are the common symptoms:
The rash’s severity depends on the amount of oil (urushiol) rubbed onto your skin. Experts recommend contacting your doctor if a fever occurs or blisters develop, or if the rash does not heal after a few weeks.
I got into poison ivy, how can I reduce the chance of a rash?
If you have a run-in with poison ivy, the American Academy of Dermatology Association suggests taking immediate steps to prevent the spread of the rash, such as:
Are there any home remedies for poison ivy?
Once the rash develops, here’s how to soothe the itchiness:
If home remedies don’t provide relief, if the rash is widespread or causes many blisters, your doctor may prescribe a corticosteroid, such as prednisone, to reduce swelling. If a bacterial infection has developed at the rash site, your doctor might prescribe an oral antibiotic.
What is poison oak?
Poison oak is a relative to poison ivy that contains the same oils and is extremely common in California. There are two types of poison oak plants, Pacific poison oak and Atlantic poison oak.
Pacific poison oak grows in the Western U.S. in a wide range of habitats ranging from grasslands to forests. Atlantic poison oak grows in Southeastern U.S. and is usually found in open woodlands and sandy thickets
According to the Santa Lucia Conservancy, based in Carmel, California, its leaves resemble an oak leaf, but at times have jagged edges. Like poison ivy, its leaves have a alternate leaf pattern, and can grow as a shrub, bush or vine.
In the spring, poison oak’s leaves appear shiny with reddish or green colors that can curl inward. As the plant grows, the leaves increase in size and are bright to dark green.
In late spring they bloom small, star-shaped, yellow flowers in clusters on its stem.
What is poison sumac?
Another poison ivy relative, poison sumac is a flowering shrub or woody plant that contains the same oil. However, it is considered more allergenic as it results in a very inflamed, painful, and itchy rash.
Poison sumac is found across a large portion of the southeastern and eastern United States, according to Outdoor Joe’s, based in Conrad, Iowa. It usually grows in wooded, swampy areas and is a member of the cashew family.
Sumac has alternate compound leaves with pointed, shiny leaflets and a red stem. The woody plantgrows to 15 feet tall and has bark that is a dull gray.
It has a red stem sprouting from a grey bark stem. In June, clusters of small, green flowers bloom, based on MSU’s Department of Entomology.
What plants are often mistaken for poison ivy?
Contact Sarah Moore @ smoore@lsj.com
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Poison ivy can leave you itching. What to know about the plants in Michigan
Reporting by Sarah Moore, Lansing State Journal / Lansing State Journal
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