LEAVES OF THREE, LET IT BE!

HORTICULTURE: Leaves of Three, Let It Be!

​​Horticulture Chair Nancy Percivall recently helped members get better acquainted with a plant most gardeners would rather admire from a distance: poison ivy! Her informative presentation covered how to identify, avoid, and safely manage this common garden nuisance.

Nancy reminded members of the familiar rule, “Leaves of three, let it be!” She explained that the middle leaflet typically has a longer stem than the two side leaflets and can grow as a low plant, shrub, or climbing vine. Its leaves can also change color and appearance with the seasons.

Members got a chance to test their knowledge with a quick quiz, identifying different plants as poison ivy or not. Nancy also explained that urushiol, the oily substance found throughout the plant, causes the allergic reaction and can be transferred by clothing, shoes, gardening tools, gloves, and pets.

For those who encounter poison ivy, washing the skin promptly with soap and water can help remove the oil. Nancy also reminded members that the rash itself is not contagious and that poison ivy should never be burned, as its smoke can carry urushiol.

Although poison ivy may not be welcome in our gardens, Nancy pointed out that it does have an important place in nature. Its berries provide food for birds and other wildlife, giving us one more reason to appreciate this native plant...from a safe distance, of course!