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Poison-ivy is a woody perennial. It may grow as dwarf, shrubby plants only a few centimetres high and carpeting the ground, or as upright plants 60-90 cm (2-3 ft) high, or the vine-like form may twine around trees, shrubs and posts, and reach a considerable distance above the ground. These vines often develop root-like structures which act as attachments, but apparently do not damage the living plants to which they cling.

"Leaflets three - Let it be!" Each leaf of poison-ivy consists of three leaflets so the leaf is said to be "compound". The stalk of the middle leaflet is longer than the stalks of the 2 side leaflets. All 3 leaflet stalks are joined together at the tip of one much longer stalk which is called the petiole. The other end of the petiole is attached to the woody stem at a node or "joint". There is only one petiole at each node and, when there are several leaves they usually alternate from one side of the stem to the other at successive nodes.

In spring and early summer the young unfolding leaflets are reddish or bronzy green and droop or hang limply from the ends of their upraised petioles.

They gradually become firmer and stand out nearly level with the end of the petiole. Their color also changes to deep to bright green. Their upper surface is nearly smooth and sometimes has a glossy or "varnished" appearance. In bright, sunny areas the leaves turn a vivid orange-red to wine-red during, but in shaded places they often lack the bright colors, just turning dull tan or light brown before dropping off.

Although the leaflets are somewhat oval, they vary greatly in shape and size. Their margins vary from perfectly smooth to finely or coarsely toothed, to deeply and irregularly lobed. Undersides of the leaflets may be finely hairy all over, or just along the veins and veinlets, or may be virtually without hairs.

Shortly after the leaves have formed in the spring, clusters of small, erect, greenish-white flowers develop on some plants in the angles where the leaf petioles join the stem. They are often hidden by the leaves. During the summer these flowers develop small round hard berries about 5 mm (1/5 in.) in diameter.

After the leaves have dropped in the fall, poison-ivy can be identified easily by the clusters of grayish to white, waxy-looking berries on short, erect, bare stems which have alternately arranged buds and leaf-scars. The berries are distinctly longitudinally lined, and upon close examination may remind one of a miniature peeled orange. Some fruits vary from the typical, and may be quite hairy.

Poison-ivy is spread by seed, but it also has extensive underground stems from which new plants develop. For this reason, killing the aboveground parts does not mean that the plant has been destroyed, and new shoots may appear at any time from these underground structures.

Harmful Effects

Poison-ivy has a distressing toxic action on the skin of people who become sensitized to it. The offending substance of the plant is an oil which is present throughout root, stem, leaf, flower, and fruit. Tearing or bruising of any part liberates the oil that may come in contact with the exposed parts of the body, either directly or by handling contaminated objects.

This oil may stick to clothing, especially boots, tools, or picnic baskets, and may be easily transferred to the hands and the face and by touching, rubbing or handclasp, to other persons who have not been directly exposed at all.

Pets can also become contaminated by running through patches of poison-ivy. Although animals do not react to the poison, a sensitive person can be poisoned merely by petting a contaminated animal. The oil is also said to be vaporized by heat such as would be present in a bonfire or a smudge. The vapour thus formed may be carried by the smoke and if a susceptible person walks through the smoke or inhales it, very serious reactions may result. The oil may also be vaporized, or sprayed out like an atomizer, from fresh plants as they are being cut and contaminate a nearby person or the person's clothing even though there is no direct contact with the poison-ivy plant.

Individuals vary greatly in susceptibility to ivy poisoning and many have never suffered any ill effects. However, those in the latter category should not take for granted that they are immune for all time.

Treatment of Poison Ivy Dermatitis

If contact with poison-ivy occurs, or with an article thought to be contaminated with its oil, wash the contaminated parts of the body immediately with soap and water. Soap is necessary to help remove the toxic oily substance from the skin. Lather the contaminated areas repeatedly and rinse thoroughly between latherings. The sooner after exposure and the more completely that the oily material can be removed from the skin by washing, the less likely that a reaction will develop; and if it does develop, the less severe it is likely to be.

If a rash does develop, the assumption that it is due to poison-ivy may be erroneous, for the rash may be due to the presence of a communicable disease, or some more serious condition. It is best therefore to consult your physician, on the appearance of any rash.

The first sign of poisoning by poison-ivy or its relatives, is a dermatitis usually characterized by a light itching, followed by a faint blush on the skin. The itching sensation increases and a few hours to some days later small watery blisters appear. In cases of mild susceptibility these may be no more than shiny dots upon the skin which go no further; in other cases they eventually burst to become irritating, oozing sores which finally dry up, forming scabs. A very severe attack may upset the health completely for a time. Restlessness and raised temperatures may occur, accompanied by severe itching of the affected parts. This may necessitate complete rest in bed.

Numerous treatments have been proposed and used, often indiscriminately and without regard to their exact purpose. Some may be the application of healing agents, others are merely designed to give relief from irritation.

Antihistamines, if taken soon after exposure to poison-ivy and continued for 2 or 3 days, usually help reduce the intensity of the body's reaction. Some of the newer over-the-counter antihistimines are less sedating than others and should be considered where alertness is important.

Once the blisters have formed, avoid scratching or rubbing. Soothing compresses can be very effective in reducing the soreness and itchiness of dermatitis. A simple, readily available compress can be made with equal parts of whole milk and cold water in a bowl with ice cubes. Soak a face cloth, towel or other cloth in the solution, wring it out lightly and apply to the affected areas several times per day for 2 or 3 days. Other solutions for compresses can be made with baking soda or with a commercial product containing aluminum acetate and available under the name "Burosol powder" or "Burow's solution". The powder is sold in individual packets. Mix one packet in 100 mL (5 oz or about half a glass) water to dab on affected areas or in more water for a compress. The solution is mixed 1 part to 10-16 parts water for a compress. Do not use aluminum acetate if the skin is broken or if the blisters are oozing or beginning to form scabs. It must not be used in a bath.

Soothing baths in lukewarm water, with or without additives, will often give relief from the intense itching. The following may be used as additives to the bath water: oatmeal [about 250 mL (1 cup) mixed first in 1 L (1 quart) of cold water and added to the tub of water]; a commercially available oat material, "Aveeno" powder [follow manufacturer's directions but mix the powder first in 1 L (1 quart) of cold water before adding to the warm water in the tub]; or potassium permanganate crystals [5 mL or 5 g (1 tsp) of crystals in a tub of water]. At concentrations stronger than 5 mL (1 tsp) per tub of water, potassium permanganate has a drying effect on the skin. It may cause burns on sensitive skin, and both the crystals and solution may be fatal if taken internally.

Lotions, such as Calamine, may be applied to the affected areas between baths or between applications of compresses. Because some people react to the benadryl in Caladryl lotion, Calamine would be preferrable.

Persons with severe local reactions or reactions over a large part of their body should consult a physician for more intense therapy. In instances where a physician prescribes oral or topical medications, these should be continued for the full period as prescribed. If the medication is stopped too early, the rash may rebound.

Clean clothing contaminated by poison-ivy thoroughly and repeatedly wash with soap and water, or dry clean. Take great care in handling contaminated clothing. If the materials will not withstand washing and must be sent to a dry cleaner, wrap them carefully and label conspicuously with "Contaminated by Poison-ivy". The oil of poison-ivy will remain on clothing and footwear for an indefinite period. If this clothing or footwear is subsequently handled or worn by the original wearer or by any other person at a later time, it may give rise to a repeat of dermatitis.

To read the rest of this excellent article on poison ivy from the Canadian Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, please click here: http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/facts/99-015.htm