Try as we might to get rid of poison oak, it keeps coming back every year! This year is not exception! As I wander through my yard, I can see bits of it popping up and so, for today, I thought I would share what I discovered with you!
The saying goes, “Leaves of three, let it be!”
This plant springs up in spring!
Brush up against this plant, and the sticky oils transfer to your skin or clothing! If you are not looking for it you might miss it!
This plant can cause a rash that itches like crazy! And you can spread the oils by scratching! I was very allergic to the pretty plant when I was younger!
You can become sensitized over time as I now am!
The native critters here in the foothills actually feed on this plant as it is full of phosphorus, calcium and sulfur. Birds will eat the berries from this plant…
Later on as the plant matures it will turn to a solid green. In the fall it will turn a lovely shade of red, similar to that in these photos!
Well, I did get my wish for snow. Looking out my window I am watching the snow fall. It is not enough to keep me home, and I will take the camera with me today so that I can catch some snow photos to feature later!
As usual, thanks for dropping by! I hope that you have a great Tuesday, and if you live in the foothills, drive carefully!
Thanks for the photos of this troublesome plant. I’ve heard that, although dogs and cats aren’t sensitive to it, if your pet brushes by it and gets the oil on his coat, you can unwittingly be exposed when you touch your pet!
This is indeed true!
Must be a mistake of Nature for this beguiling red leaf plant to be so harmful. Lucky we don’t have Poison Oak in Hawaii. Itch-scratch-itch
Not a mistake of nature if other species can utilize what this plant has to offer!
You did mention the dependent relationship area critters have with this plant. Point well taken.
See? Hee hee! Please take the time tomorrow to read my post if you have time…
Too bad we can’t harness this little bugger. Pretty, drought tolerant, grows anywhere. We need those genes!
🙂 Loved this comment Barb!
One pesty plant that’s for sure. Another thing to mention is to not burn these plants. Doing so can release their itch causing toxins into the fire’s smoke and if breathed in can cause irritations to one’s respiratory system. Best removal method is to use some type of herbicide, wait for the plant to die, then remove it. Many folks don’t know what to look for so your photos are a great pictorial to help out with identifying poison oak.
Thank you for mentioning that about burning! Burning poison oak can result in a rash within your lungs which can kill you!