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In The Garden

Leaves of Three, Let It Be: How to Identify Poison Ivy

Poison ivy, oak and sumac are itchy summer staples in North Carolina

Toxicodendron radicans, commonly known as Poison ivy, vines on a stone wall Play Video

If you have spent much time outdoors during a North Carolina summer, chances are you have had a close encounter with one of the most reviled plants around – poison ivy. Along with its cousins, poison oak and poison sumac, these plants abound across our state in fields, forests and even your own neighborhood. Coming into contact with the oil from these plants can lead to itching, red rash and, eventually, blistering.

Be careful when mowing the lawn, as the debris can easily spread the itch-causing resin, urushiol.

Horticulture expert Matt Jones with N.C. Cooperative Extension joins Homegrown to show us how to identify poisonous plants that lurk around the corner. This knowledge is guaranteed to help you enjoy a more comfortable, itch-free summer!

Here are a few tips to protect yourself:

If you are determined to learn by experience, here are a few tips on how to deal with a skin reaction:

More Resources

View the Weeds chapter of the N.C. Extension Gardener Handbook for solutions to all of your weed needs!

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