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A Rash of Trouble

© Emily Levitt

How long have poisonous plants been a problem? Since the frist settlers arrived in this country and found them attractive. American Native populations used a form of gum plant rubbed onto their skins to counteract the rash caused by poison oaks and ivies. Captain John Smith, who actually looks fairly bright in his portrait! recorded poison ivy as a true ivy in his writings in the 1600s (he must have been one of those fortunate immune individuals.) And, unbelievably, in the 19th century, one Captain Frederick Beechy introduced California poison Oak to unfortunate English gardeners because...he thought it was PRETTY! Fool!

Poison ivy, oak and sumac have plagued outdoor enthusiasts for ages on most continents of the world. The sap of these unrelated plants contains urushiol, which causes dermal poisoning in humans.

Some of us react almost violently to exposure to these plants, while others experience virtually no symptoms. I am one of the former, having been ingnorant enough in my past gardening life to burn poison ivy (left) and stand in the smoke. I won't bore you with the details, let me just say I got the rash all over my body.

(Yes, there too.)

I was, in the Southern vernacular, 'hospital sick.'

Perhaps this explains my desire to eliminate toxic plants from my limited green domain. One of the few topics that seems to get under the skin of gardeners like no other is the control of noxious plants. This is the time of year when many of us who love all things green face a dilemma---to zap the poisonous plants with chemicals, or not. I vote for chemical expulsion of these nasty plants, as one who literally bears the scars of infection.If you insist on removing these pests without chemicals, pull them up by their roots following a heavy rain. Wear protecive clothing ! and what you do with the removed material is up to you. Be warned!! Sap lives in dead material for many years. DON'T COMPOST IT.

(Trust me, I have been asked about this, or I wouldn't mention it.)

Here are a few common facts about these plants, some of which I thought were fiction, but are all too true...and I bet you've heard some of them, too. Its' kind of scary when the old wive's tales are proven true. I AM an oldish wife, and am constantly surprised to find myths validated.

ALL PARTS of the plants are poisonous to humans year round. Even when you think they're dead. Only the pollen they produce is non-toxic.

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