How to Identify Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac and Wild Parsnip

There’s nothing like a woodland landscape to put you at risk for coming into contact with one of summer’s greatest skin irritants – poison ivy, oak, or sumac

Within 12 to 72 hours of touching any one of these plants, you could develop a very uncomfortable, itchy, and unsightly red rash accompanied by swelling and blisters.

The itch-inducing ingredient in all three is urushiol (O rosh e ol) The itch-inducing ingredient in all three is urushiol (O rosh e ol) . It’s an oil that’s contained in the plants’ leaves, stems, and roots. Urushiol sticks to anything it touches.

So if you pet your dog or hop on your bike after they’ve brushed up against a poison oak shrub, you could end up with a rash. In addition, if someone is burning the plants and you’re close by, airborne urushiol can land on your skin and cause an itchy breakout.

Poison ivy, oak, and sumac grow in most regions of the country Poison ivy, oak, and sumac grow in most regions of the country. Here’s what to look for: steer clear of - when you’re out amongst the plant life

Poison Ivy: The trademarks of this plant are its solid green, pointed leaves that hang from the stem in groups of three. It grows as both a vine and a shrub.

The look of poison ivy can change with the seasons The look of poison ivy can change with the seasons. It produces yellow-green flowers in the spring and its green leaves can change to yellow and red in autumn.

Poison Ivy Rashes

"Leaves of Three, Leave Them Be" This saying is arguably the most repeated poison ivy advice, but can cause confusion since the leaves of several other plants display a similar appearance (blackberries, raspberries, box elder, etc.)

“Longer Middle Stem, Don't Touch Them"

Take a closer look at the suspected "leaves of three Take a closer look at the suspected "leaves of three." Poison ivy features a distinctive longer stem at the base of the middle leaflet. As a result, the middle leaflet extends farther out from the leaflet stem than the two side leaflets

"Hairy Vine, No Friend of Mine"

Poison ivy vines feature numerous distinctive small tendrils, or "hairs," that the plant uses to adhere to whatever it's climbing. Other climbing plants in the Northeast (Virginia creeper, Concord grape, etc) have smooth vines, making the distinction easy.

Avoid confusing poison oak with other plants Avoid confusing poison oak with other plants. Some other plants have two or three similar-looking leaves. Such other plants may have spines on the leaf tips or thorns on the stems (blackberry). However, it is better to avoid plants that resemble poison ivy.

If you see a plant that has all the characteristics, but have regular, uniformly shaped leaves, or sharp tips on the edges, it's not likely to be poison ivy. Poison ivy has tips that are more randomly spaced and somewhat curved between the tips along the edges.

Poison Oak: Like its ivy counterpart, poison oak leaves also cluster in sets of three.

When it comes to identifying poison ivy and oak, a quick rule of thumb is: Leaves of three, beware of me.

Spring Poison Oak The flowers and berries are white to yellowish-green, as in poison ivy (hence another saying, "berries white, poisonous sight").

The edges of the solid green leaves, while reminiscent of an oak tree, are less dramatic. Poison oak is most often seen in shrub form, but it can also grow as a vine.

Poison Sumac: This rash-producer thrives in the water Poison Sumac: This rash-producer thrives in the water. It’s usually found in swampy or boggy areas where it grows as small tree or tall shrub.

Poison sumac grows as a shrub or small tree Poison sumac grows as a shrub or small tree. It grows in very wet areas, and it can be found along the banks of the Mississippi River.

Poison sumac leaves can have urushiol-filled black or brownish-black spots. The leaf stems contain seven to thirteen leaflets.

Poison sumac typically grows into a shrub or tree about 5–20 ft Poison sumac typically grows into a shrub or tree about 5–20 ft. in height, but may occasionally grow even taller. The branches may or may not be covered with leaves along their length, but either way the growth pattern of poison sumac tends to produce a fairly open result, rather than a thick bush of foliage. Large poison sumac trees, like other species of sumac, often grow long, thin branches that sag or tilt downward

Even if other animals eat an unidentified plant, that does not mean it is safe. Toxic plants are not poisonous to all creatures. Deer and other grazing animals may happily eat poison ivy

Wild Parsnip Warning - Avoid skin contact with the toxic sap of the plant tissue by wearing gloves, long sleeves and long pants. The juice of wild parsnip in contact with skin in the presence of sunlight can cause a rash and blistering and discoloration of the skin

Wild Parsnip

Flowers: Flat-topped broad flower cluster 2 - 6" wide, numerous five-petaled yellow flowers; bloom from June to late summer.

Wild Parsnip 6" high in the rosette stage and 4' high on stout, grooved stems in the flowering stage.

Leaves: Alternate, leaf is made up of 5 -15 egg shaped leaflets along both sides of a common stalk; leaflets sharply-toothed or lobed at the margins; upper leaves smaller.

Counties in WI where wild parsnip has been reported as of July 2011

Why is wild parsnip dangerous? Wild parsnip sap contains which can make skin more vulnerable to ultraviolet radiation. Brushing against or breaking the plant releases sap that, combined with sunlight, can cause a severe burn within 24 to 48 hours This reaction can also cause discoloration of the skin and increased sensitivity to sunlight that may last for years.

How to protect yourself from wild parsnip: Learn to identify wild parsnip at different life stages. Do not touch any parts of the plant with bare skin. Wear gloves, long-sleeved shirts, pants, boots and eye protection if working near wild parsnip to prevent skin contact with the sap. Synthetic, water-resistant materials are recommended

If contact with sap occurs… Wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water, and keep it covered for at least 48 hours to prevent a reaction. If a reaction occurs, keep the affected area out of sunlight to prevent further burning or discoloration, and see a physician.