With the warm weather here to stay, there is a common danger that lurks in most of the backyards and trails we enjoy. Hiding in plain sight, camouflaged by underbrush is an overlooked plant easy to mistake as just a normal plant. Anacardiaceae, or poison ivy and its relatives can wreak havoc to the unsuspecting hiker or outdoor enjoyer. If you are like me, poison ivy is your worst nightmare. Being highly allergic to the plants in this family, I have learned to identify it quickly to avoid it, and how to treat it if I accidently miss it. We will give a quick guide on easy and fast identification and follow up with the tried-and-true methods of treatments.
These are general guidelines and should not be taken as medical advice. For more information, please contact a medical professional.
Toxicodendron ID Guide
Eastern Poison Ivy
(Toxicodendron radicans)
Leaflets: 3 per leaf (“Leaves of three, let it be”)
Edges: Smooth, toothed, or lobed — varies widely
Color: Green in summer, red/orange in fall
Growth habit:
Vine (climbs trees/fences using hairy aerial roots)
Or ground cover
Berries: Small, white/gray clusters in late summer/fall
Habitat: Woods, edges, trails, fences, urban areas
Region: Entire Eastern U.S., Great Lakes, Ontario, Midwest
Western Poison Ivy
(Toxicodendron rydbergii)
Where: Central and northern U.S., much of Canada
Looks like: Low-growing shrub, also with “leaves of three”
Habit: Doesn’t climb; bushy and ground-hugging
Atlantic Poison Oak
(Toxicodendron pubescens)
Where: Southeastern U.S.
Looks like: Shrubby, with oak-like leaves in groups of three; fuzzy texture
Habit: Low shrub, sometimes upright
Pacific Poison Oak
(Toxicodendron diversilobum)
Where: West Coast (California, Oregon, Washington)
Looks like: Can be a shrub or vine; leaves resemble oak leaves and turn red in fall
Habit: Very common on forest trails and coastal scrub
Poison Sumac
(Toxicodendron vernix)
Leaflets: 7–13 per compound leaf (not “leaves of three”)
Edges: Smooth, glossy leaves
Growth habit: Woody shrub or tree up to 20 feet
Berries: White-gray clusters hang down from stems
Habitat: Wetlands, bogs, swamps (never dry forests)
Region: Southeast U.S., Eastern wetlands, Great Lakes, Mid-Atlantic
Natural Plant Remedies for Poison Ivy
Who says opposites don’t attract? Jewelweed is typically hanging out with poison ivy.
Jewelweed
(Impatiens capensis)
Most popular natural remedy
Traditionally used by Native Americans
How it works: Thought to neutralize urushiol; anti-inflammatory and antihistamine effects
How to use:
Crush fresh stems and leaves; rub juice directly on the affected area
Can also be used as a poultice or in homemade salves/soaps
Witch Hazel
(Hamamelis virginiana)
Astringent and anti-inflammatory
Helps dry oozing blisters and calm itching
How to use:
Apply with cotton or use in a spray
- Cold compress
Chamomile
(Matricaria chamomilla)
Reduces inflammation and irritation
How to use:
Brew strong tea and use as a wash or compress
Aloe Vera
(Aloe Barbadensis Miller)
Soothing, cooling, and promotes healing
How to use:
Apply the gel from the inner leaf directly to the rash
More to Know
These remedies do not remove urushiol, the chemical that causes the reaction. Wash the skin thoroughly with soap and cool water (within 15–30 minutes) after contact.
Avoid scratching the rash to prevent infection.
- If rash is widespread, on the face/genitals, or involves severe swelling or pus, seek medical help — oral corticosteroids may be needed.
- Calamine Lotion
- Oatmeal baths
- Benadryl
- Cold compress
