There's lots of information out there amidst the general public about poison ivy. Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation, too. Then there's the kind of poison-ivy information that is not especially well known, but which blows your mind when you hear it! Here is an example of each:
The general public is aware that a tripartite leaflet is an identifying feature of poison ivy, due to the leaves of three, let it be rhyme. That's good solid information -- as far as it goes. Problem is, other types of plants have "leaves of three," too; so relying excessively on this rhyme can lead to paranoia!
More importantly, reliance on the rhyme opens the door to misinformation. For example, it would be wrong to assume (as some do), that if those notorious three leaves are absent, you are safe. Yes, those leaves do die in winter; but the plant parts left behind (for example, the hairy vine that clings to the trunks of trees) are still toxic to the touch!
As for an example of mind-blowing poison-ivy information of which the general public may be unaware: Did you know that one of the most dangerous things you can do in trying to eradicate poison ivy is to burn it?
Read article: Poison-Ivy Information
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Another menace: Stinging Nettle Plants
Photo ©2007 David Beaulieu (licensed to About, Inc.)
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