How To Recognize Poison Ivy

If you plan on spending any amount of time out of doors, then learning to recognize poison ivy is probably a good idea. Avoiding poison ivy will make walks in the forest more enjoyable, improve the fun associated with camping, and prevent a lot of discomfort. Here are some facts that will help you know poison ivy when you see it.

One of the first things to understand about poison ivy is that it may come in several different forms. Poison ivy is often found clinging to the trunks of trees, and may slowly work into the branches and begin to envelope the tree. While the green looks great, it can be a wakeup call, since coming in contact with the oil of the ivy sap will bring on an outbreak in a short period of time.

Along with attaching to trees, poison ivy can also be found creeping along the ground. The vines may simply be an overlay on dirt, or mix in with grass and other forms of ground cover. As a result, it is possible to step into the poison ivy before you realize what has happened.

A third growth pattern of poison ivy is as a shrub. In this form, poison ivy can blend in with other shrubs and easily be overlooked. Crashing through shrubs while in the forest is a great way to bring your skin in contact with this form of poison ivy, and lead to a lot of pain.

In all its forms, there is one attribute that will allow you to recognize poison ivy. The leaves on the plant will always grow in groups of three. This is true whether the leaves are the smooth type that is common in some parts of the country, or the notched edges that are found in other areas.

Learning to recognize poison ivy should be considered essential if you want to enjoy a relaxed weekend camping out, or spend time enjoying fishing along a riverbank. Take some time to educate yourself and your trip will only result in happy memories, not any painful reminders that follow you back home.