Poison Ivy! The very name strikes fear in the heart of even the bravest outdoor person, and evokes painful memories of agonizing symptoms for those who have experienced it.

Unfortunately, this deceptive little plant with its deserved reputation is found in Muskoka. But fortunately, it is not abundant.

  “It’s mainly restricted to southern Muskoka,” says Jan McDonnell, biologist with the Ministry of Natural Resources in Bracebridge, adding, “It is most often found in low, damp areas along the Severn River and up the Georgian Bay coastline.”

  Growing as a small bush not more than a metre high in Muskoka, (there is also a climbing variety found in southern Ontario) Poison Ivy displays three glossy, dark green leaves on each stem. The general rule “leaves of three, let them be” is helpful in identifying and avoiding this highly toxic plant.

  The plant’s oily, poisonous sap, known as urushiol, is what causes the problem. Contained in the roots, stems, leaves and fruit, the urushiol is released when the plant is touched, or  ‘bruised’, and adheres to the skin within 15 minutes of contact.

 Brushing against any part of the plant can result in a serious allergic reaction in most people. Even indirect contact from clothing or a pet that has brushed against the plant, or from burning the plant in eradication, can cause a reaction. This usually takes the form of a skin rash that develops 12 to 48 hours after contact, and may form into itchy blisters that last from 2 to 4 weeks.

  Washing the affected area, preferably with soap and cold water, as soon as possible after contact with the plant, may prevent a reaction. Washing of anything, including clothes and tools, which may possibly have had contact with poison ivy is important to avoid re-infection, as the poisonous oil does not evaporate and can last up to a year or longer.

  Treatments vary. Over-the-counter products from the local drugstore will help with the itching. Severe reactions usually need a trip to the doctor. Some people have used herbal remedies, such as an extraction of the jewelweed plant, with some success.

  There is also a vaccine available, which can be either be injected or swallowed. However, it is only effective if taken as a preventative – it can’t relieve the symptoms once contact has been made with poison ivy.

  Knowing what Poison Ivy looks like, and where it is found, aids in avoiding contact, which is the best thing you can do, of course.

  More information is available at Agriculture Canada’s website at http://res2.agr.ca/ecorc/poisivy/title.html