Like most of Manitoba’s Parklands, poison ivy is present at Mosswood. If you’re one of the blessed ones to whom poison ivy has no ill effect, there’s no need to read on. But if you are worried about this itch-inducing leaf, here are the key identifying features:
“Leaves of three, let it be. Hairy vine, no friend of mine. Berries white, run in fright.”
The main leaf is on a longer stem and is symmetrical – the two offshoot leaves are on shorter stems and are assymetrical. The leaves have pointed tips, and can be either glossy or dull. Poison Ivy produces yellow-green flowers in the summer, and then produces white berries. It is usually low to the ground, but can climb up trees like a vine, if available.
60-80% of us are allergic to the Urishiol, the oil on poison ivy leaves.
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If you come in contact with poison ivy, cold water with soap is a good idea. Warm water will open up your pores to let the oil in – which you do not want. Any clothes you were wearing should be washed. Remember, it’s the oil that causes the itch, not the plant itself – so there is a risk of reinfecting yourself if your clothes are not washed. If you didn’t catch it in time, and you start to itch, I find a dab of calamine lotion makes it more bearable.
Mosswood Cabin 