It is that time of year again and green leaves are popping. But look closely and stay away from leaves that grow in groups of three. The leaves appear shiny green in spring, and sometimes orange and red in the fall. It has a large leaf in the middle and two smaller ones on either side; each with a few jagged edges, or teeth on either side. The leaves fall off each winter and are replaced with new ones in the spring.

Poison ivy goes by the Latin name Rhus radicans, it is a vine or shrub that causes an itchy, red rash. Some people who are extremely sensitive can get it without even touching the plant. They need only pet an animal that has run through it or come in contact some other second hand way. Others report contraction when mistakenly burning it with other leaves. The smoke from such fires can cause a serious flare-up. The rash has been found inside the throat and on the stomach lining. Poison ivy’s cousin, the shrub, poison oak (Rhus toxicodendron) has a similar effect, as does poison sumac (Rhus vernix).

The substance in the poison oak and poison ivy that causes the rash is an oily compound called urushiol. It is present in the entire plant, including the stems and roots, so be careful when you are weeding.

You will find poison oak growing as small to large size shrubs on the ground, and poison ivy twining around trees and plant growth. It comes in all sizes so it is a good idea to stay strictly away from any plant with leaves in groups of three. It’s also a good idea to wear long pants and long sleeves while in the woods.

If you should get it, try a bath in oatmeal water, (pour raw oatmeal in a sock and tie it shut). Drop the sock in the bath tub and run a tub of barely warm or cool water. After your bath, rub calamine lotion on the rash. Do not scratch since this will spread the rash. Avoid rash on another person’s skin as you can also contract it by touch.