Yep.  It is THAT time of year, again:  Poison Ivy season.  

 

I know I must sound like a broken record, but I really want you to be able to identify poison ivy from a distance, and up close.  Especially up close.  That's when it can be problematic.  Most people are allergic to the Ursheol that covers the plant:  the leaves, the stems, the roots!!!  

 

Here's how to ID poison ivy:  it has three leaflets, and grows on a vine.  The leaves can be small or really big.  When it gets old, it blooms.  We've seen some blooming down by the creek.  It's usually shiny (that's the oil on the leaves) but not always.  Just brushing against the leaves can subject you to the misery of dermatitis.  Trust me, I used to get it a lot.  But now I can spot it at 100 yards, and steer clear of it.

 

Our Girl Scout jingle really helps to identify poison ivy:  You can shake hands with 5 fingers but not with three.  The five fingers mentioned here refers to Virginia Creeper, which is also a green vine, but harmless.  Lots of plants have three leaflets;  LOOK first, then touch if you must.  

 

Now that everybody is spending more time outside, I want to remind you to look out for poison ivy.  It's everywhere!!!

 

HAPPY GARDENING!!!