Watch Out For These Poisonous Plants
The last thing you want when
hiking is having to deal with an
irritating, painful and extremely itchy rash — or worse! Yet, that is
exactly what will happen if you brush up against these poisonous plants.
We’ve compiled a list of some of the most common irritating plants and one
you should avoid at all costs!
Poison Oak
Range: Western North America
Inhabits: Conifer and mixed
broadleaf forests, woodlands and grasslands
For those of us that grew up in the Pacific Northwest, we learned early on
to avoid this plant. It can be identified by lobed, oak-like leaves that
grow in groups of 3 and range from green to bright red depending on the
season. The oils present on Poison Oak leaves or branches will cause an
itchy reaction in most people who come in contact with them. If you are
hiking the Pacific Coast Trail or anywhere west of the Rockies, you’ll want
to be on the lookout for this plant.
Poison Ivy
Range: All U.S. states east of
the Rocky Mountains
Inhabits: Wooded
areas, especially along tree line breaks. Also known to grow in open fields
“Leaves of three, let it be” is a
popular saying that helps people identify this noxious plant. Despite being
called a Poison Ivy, this plant is not a true Ivy. The leaves range from
light green to a reddish color depending on the season. Contact with the
parts of this plant causes most people’s skin to blister and become red and
itchy.
Poison Sumac
Range: Eastern U.S. and Canada.
Inhabits: Grows
exclusively in swamps, bogs and wetlands.
Poison Sumac grows into a small
tree. Contact with this nasty plant will result in a reaction similar to the
aforementioned Poison Ivy and Poison Oak. This is because all three produce
an oily allergenic substance called Urushiol.
Stinging Nettle
Range: Throughout the U.S. and
Canada.
Inhabits: Usually occurs in
moist sites along streams, open forests, ditches and woodland clearings.
This plant is covered by tiny hairs
that act like hypodermic needles. Upon contact these hairs inject irritants
into your skin, causing blisters and a burning, itchy sensation. Not
something you want to brush up against.
It is interesting to note that
nettles have been used for generations for their medicinal
purposes.
Manchineel
Range: Parts of Florida and the
Caribbean.
Inhabits: Primarily found in
coastal regions.
The University of Florida reports that the Manchineel
was called the “arbol de la muerte” meaning tree of death. They were
referring to pomes which grow 1-2 inches and look a lot like an apple.
However, be warned, all parts of this tree are extremely toxic and will
cause burning blisters on contact. Even a quick brush against its bark or
standing under the tree without contacting it at all can
make for a very
bad day. It is also reported that
ingesting any part of this tree or its fruit can be lethal. The tree may
look innocent but avoid it at all costs!
Thanks to
Mountain
House Blogs for the above information.
