Poison Ivy

Poison Ivy

Poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) is a vine native to eastern North America. It has rounded, toothed, mitten-shaped leaves, greenish-white flowers, and white or beige berries. Poison ivy is not technically an invasive species because it is native to North America. It also provides value to wildlife, especially in the form of its rich berries filled with vitamin C. Green Abundance does consider this plant to be problematic to humans, however. It produces urushiol, which is the poisonous chemical within poison ivy that causes its signature rashes. Urushiol is present in all parts of the plant, making it a hazard for humans. Poison ivy is commonly found in forest edges, roadsides, and low patches on dunes in beaches. Humans are one of the few species vulnerable to its poison. Birds and other animals will eat the berries and disperse the seeds over a large area.

Keys To Success

While wearing waterproof gloves, hand pulling smaller poison ivy is effective. If there is a large colony that’s ground level, spraying a foliar application with both triclopyr and glyphosate can eradicate it. When poison ivy climbs trees, cut the vine at the base on the ground and paint it with systemic herbicide. Leave the rest of the vine growing up the tree because poison ivy roots tightly cling to surfaces and pulling them off can damage the bark of the host tree, inviting pests and disease.