If you’ve ever been hiking in the woods, chances are good that you have unwittingly come across one of these nasty little plants, and many people come alarmingly close to a painful brush with one. For those unfortunate people who do not emerge unscathed, the effects of these poisonous plants can be incredibly painful and long-lasting. Effects range from itchy rash and blistering to anaphylaxis, a more serious allergic reaction that can cause death. The reaction generally comes from sap within the plant, which spreads very easily, and will stay on clothing for an extended time.
That doesn’t mean you should stay out of the woods! Savvy hikers would do well to learn about these plants in order to avoid them, and help others stay out of harm’s way. This guide is a quick reference for 5 of the most commonly found poisonous plants.
1. Poison Ivy
Found throughout most of North America and mountainous regions of Mexico, poison ivy is not a true ivy, although it bears resemblance to many ivies. There are, however, distinct characteristics by which they can be identified. The poison ivy vine produces alternating stems along its length, with each stem culminating in three leaves with pointed tips. The middle leaf on the cluster has a longer stem than the other two, and the vine has no thorns. It can be a trailing or climbing vine, or even a bush. You’ve probably heard the saying, “Leaves of three, let them be”. This is sound advice, particularly if you are unfamiliar with woodland poisonous plants in general.
2. Poison Oak
Poison oak is quite similar to poison ivy in that it can be a bush, or a trailing or climbing vine. It also produces alternating stems with 3-leaf clusters, but here is where the differences begin. There are two types that grow in North America, eastern and western. Western poison oak is generally found in coastal areas, and its leaves will feature ragged or lobed edges, while the eastern variety tends to produce longer, thinner leaves that do not resemble typical “oak” leaves.
3. Poison Sumac
Poison sumac causes a reaction similar to poison ivy and oak, but its characteristic appearance makes it easier to avoid. It is a woody shrub or a small tree, and each stem on its branches produces 7-13 smooth, oblong leaves with sharp points. When it is flowering, small green pods will appear in clusters on stems. Poison sumac loves very wet soils, which confines it primarily to swamp or bog areas.
4. Stinging Nettle
Many people worldwide have been irritated by the stinging nettle, as it is native to North America, Europe, Asia, and northern Africa. The plant grows from a strong, wiry stalk, and produces many leaves with serrated edges. The flowers of the plant are tiny green or brown globules, but the poison is not contained within them. Rather, the stalk, stems, and leaves are covered in thousands of hairs that act as tiny hypodermic needles, injecting the poison into whatever touches it.
5. Poison Hemlock
The poison hemlock does have a lovely appearance. This plant also grows a tall stalk, with many lacy triangular leaves. While the upper part of the stalk is smooth and green, the lower part will exhibit red or purple streaks or spots, and delicate clusters of white flowers protrude from its branches. While the biggest danger humans face through contact with poison hemlock is ingestion, touching the plant can also produce unpleasant effects on the skin. Found widely across the globe, poison hemlock can usually be found in poorly drained soils near roadsides, ditches, and waste areas.
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