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YARD AND GARDEN

Itch... the season for poison ivy

Dave Robson

As I sit writing this, my legs, forearms and temple are swathed in calamine lotion. I look like a human pepto bismal tablet.

I know exactly when, where and how the poison ivy got on my body. I did everything I wasn't supposed to do, and knew it. And now I suffer.

You need to wear uncomfortable clothes when dealing with poison ivy. That means long sleeved shirts, heavy gloves, long pants, heavy socks and shoes. Shorts, a teeshirt, and tennis shoes don't cut it.

Poison ivy is one of the easiest plants to identify. If it has three leaflets, and grows wild in the woods, up and down plants, as a small shrub or vine, it's poison ivy.

If it has one large leaf, it's either grape or Boston ivy. If there are five leaflets, you're looking at Virginia creeper.

If it has a thick woody stem bigger than your arm, it's probably a tree or shrub. But if it has three leaflets and vines, it's poison ivy.

Poison ivy seems to be bothered of late by galls, little red bumps on the leaves. Unfortunately, the insect that creates these bumps isn't in large enough quantities to destroy the plant completely.

And maybe it shouldn't. Poison ivy berries are a great staple for many wildlife animals, from birds to squirrels. Those of us with susceptibility to the rash, though, have a hard time justifying nature's food for these creatures.

In the woods, poison ivy may be just fine. You recognize what it is and where it is, and leave it alone. In the yard, it's another story.

Poison ivy will creep all over the place, and make gardening difficult. That's why we try to get rid of it, and end up covered with blistering pustules of ooze. (Sorry, if you're eating at this time.)

Unfortunately, there aren't too many great ways of removing the plant. Pulling and digging it out seems to be the best, but has the most potential for the "itch" poisoning. It doesn't help that every single part of the plant, including the roots, contains the alkaloid that gets on your skin.

Some herbicides or weedkillers are available. The biggest problem with them is that they can kill desirable plants nearby. Make sure to read and follow the label. You might be able to protect the plants you want to save by covering with a cardboard box.

If you're left with no choice but physical removal, make sure you're properly attired. Do it early in the morning or early evening when the temperatures are cool. That way you won't have to wipe the sweat off your brow and end up with the rash on your forehead and temple.

Immediately after coming in contact with the plant, wash your skin with a good strong soap. It only takes a couple of minutes for the compounds to penetrate the skin. The poison can also remain on the clothes, so wash them thoroughly in hot, soapy water. Line dry is best.

There are many home remedies that are supposed to work to remove the rash.

I had a neighbor who suggested dousing the skin with bleach. He showed me the before and after effects. All I noticed was the white patch of skin where it was tanned before. It still never tans.

Also remember that garden tools and animals can act as carriers for the compounds. Thoroughly clean spades, pruners and other tools after contact with poison ivy. Keep Fido and Tabby away from areas with poison ivy, or at least stay away from hugging them until they're bathed.

David Robson is an Extension Educator, Horticulture, at the Springfield Extension Center, Cooperative Extension Service, University of Illinois. You can write to Robson in care of Illinois Country Living, P.O. Box 3787, Springfield, IL 62708. Telephone: (217) 782-6515. E-Mail: robsond@idea.ag.uiuc.edu

16 ILLINOIS COUNTRY LIVING JULY 1998