No matter how careful, most people who enjoy the outdoors will have a few cases of poison oak. My latest encounter was only a few weeks ago.

Poison ivy is a common poisonous plant in Georgia. It can mainly be found in moist, wooded areas. However, it also grows in pastures, fence rows and ornamental plantings. Poison oak, a related species, is also found in similar habitats.

Poison ivy is a woody perennial that may grow as a small shrub or as a high-climbing vine with aerial rootlets on trees, fence rows and buildings. In contrast, poison oak usually grows as a small shrub. Poison ivy reproduces by creeping roots and seed. Leafy shoots can arise from the creeping roots several yards away from the parent plant.

The leaves of poison ivy are alternately arranged on the stem. Each compound leaf consists of three bright green, shiny leaflets. The upper leaf surface is smooth, or lacks hairs, while hairs are commonly found on the veins of the underside of the leaf.

Poison ivy leaf shape varies greatly. Leaves with different shapes may be found on the same plant or on plants near each other. People may misidentify poison ivy when they see a poison ivy plant with an unusual leaf shape. However, the old saying, “leaves of three, let it be,” should always be followed. It is better to avoid a plant you mistakenly believe is poison ivy than to handle one you mistakenly believe is not.

Symptoms of contact with poison ivy include skin inflammation and blistering. All parts (stems, leaves, roots, flowers and fruits) are poisonous at all times of the year.

Humans are commonly exposed as they brush against the plant and bruise the leaves. They can also be exposed when sensitive people contact the toxin by touching equipment, clothing or animals that have been in contact with poison ivy. Dogs and cats often transfer the toxin to people, as stated above. The toxin can also be carried on soot particles in smoke from burning poison ivy and cause severe allergic reactions.

Sensitivity to poison ivy varies. Some people are extremely allergic; others are not as sensitive. Following contact with the poison ivy toxin, it usually takes 12 to 48 hours for symptoms to occur. However, with some people, symptoms may not appear for several days.

Poison ivy will not tolerate repeated tillage, cutting or mowing. Continually clipping the plant at or near the ground level will eventually control poison ivy. However, it often takes several clippings during the year and for several years to control it. Poison ivy shoots commonly encroach from wooded areas into newly established lawns. Herbicide use is not usually necessary as frequent mowing will eliminate the plant from the lawn.

Many herbicides are available for control of poison ivy. Before using any, read all label directions. Because poison ivy has an extensive root system, herbicides usually have to be applied more than once for effective control. Make repeat applications at the full-leaf stage of growth.

For more information on controlling poison oak or poison ivy with herbicides, call the Dawson County Extension Service at 265-2442.

In other news: Remember that the Dawson County Produce Market opens July 2nd. Market hours will be from 7:30-10:00 a.m. each Wednesday and Saturday. (Come early because on many occasions, the market has sold out by 9:00 a.m.) The market is located in the Extension Office parking lot at 298 Academy Avenue in Dawsonville.