Being an avid outdoorsperson and having had a career working outdoors almost every day, I have encountered several poisonous plants growing in our geographic region. Unfortunately for me, my job required me to deal with these hazards from time to time.

“Growing at the very base of the bluff was a thick ground cover of poison ivy, which I ended up rappelling into,” says the author.

One of my worst encounters came several years after I had become City Forester in Dubuque, Iowa. Dubuque’s pride and joy is its 164-acre Eagle Point Park on the high bluff overlooking the Mississippi River and Lock and Dam No. 11. As the bluff trees grew taller beneath the long stretch of river walk, they began to block a magnificent view of the mighty Mississippi. It was my job to clear and maintain that view.

Growing at the very base of the bluff was a thick ground cover of poison ivy, which I ended up rappelling into. Having no way of avoiding it, I went about my business of felling the taller offending trees. It was a long, hot and humid day. When I got home that day, I literally threw the work uniform I was wearing into the trash, showered and had a couple of cold ones.

The next day the itching started and soon became unbearable. A rash and blisters began to form. Calamine lotion wasn’t helping, so I made a trip to urgent care, where I received a shot of prednisone. Yes, in those days they gave a full-strength shot instead of pills metered out over several days. What a life saver! Within a few days, the rash dried up and the discomfort was nearly gone.

Poison ivy/Pixabay

Lesson learned
Recognizing these poisonous plants is one of the keys to avoiding them. “Leaflets of three, let it be, it’s poison ivy or poison oak.” Many of us learned this saying growing up as a Boy or Girl Scout. Recognizing these plants was the first step in avoiding them. When Googling “poisonous plants,” you will see pictures and descriptions identifying them. Some are more common than others. The three I have encountered most are poison ivy, nettles and wild parsnip. Each produces a skin irritant resulting in a range of reactions, from itchy rashes to blisters to something resembling a second-degree sunburn.

Poison ivy
Poison ivy is usually a hairy vine with three distinctive green leaves that turn red in the fall. The woody vine can be found growing up the trunks of trees and growing on the ground like a thick ground cover. Poison ivy produces an oil called urushiol in all of its plant parts. Simply brushing up against its leaves will transfer the oils to your skin, clothing, tools or even a pet. From there it can be transferred to your skin, where it will cause an itchy rash and, in more severe cases, blistering. The oils can be transferred into the air if the plant is burned, and can cause severe lung irritation if breathed in.

If you knowingly encounter poison ivy, especially on a warm day when you are sweating, wash it off your exposed skin as soon as possible. Urushiol can be absorbed into your skin within half an hour. It has been found that washing with Dawn dish soap, using lukewarm water and a washcloth, can be effective at cutting and rinsing away the oils. Be sure to rinse thoroughly. You also can pour rubbing alcohol over your skin, rinsing with soapy water. Wash your pets, clothing and tools in a similar fashion.

The view. All photos courtesy of Steven Pregler.

Nettles and wild parsnip
Nettles are covered with tiny hairs that penetrate your skin with a cocktail of toxins that include histamine that causes itching. Over-the-counter antihistamines can relieve some of the discomfort.

Wild parsnip is becoming more and more common. It is most commonly seen in roadside ditches. It looks a lot like a yellow-flowered version of Queen Anne’s lace. Its sap is a toxin that is activated by sunlight. When activated, it causes a painful, second-degree burn and blistering on skin. If you find you have been in contact with its sap, cover the area immediately to block sunlight. Wash as soon as possible with soap and water. Keep it covered and protected from the sun for the next couple of days.

Beware
When working in or passing through areas where these poisonous plants might be growing, wear protective clothing that will cover your exposed skin. Be sure to wash your hands and clothing afterward with warm soap and water. Over-the-counter drying agents like Caladryl, calamine lotion and Zanfel cream, along with antihistamines such as Benadryl or Alavert, are commonly available. Technu also makes several products such as soaps, medicated creams and itch relievers.

Note: At times, the itching, rashes, burning and blistering may become unbearable. If so, seek medical attention.

Steven F. Pregler is an ISA Certified Arborist and retired city forester for the city of Dubuque, Iowa.