NEBRASKAland Magazine is dedicated to outstanding photography and informative writing with an engaging mix of articles and photos highlighting Nebraska’s outdoor activities, parklands, wildlife, history and people.
Issue link: http://mag.outdoornebraska.gov/i/668245
MAY 2016 • NEBRASKAland 71 Cool showers will help ease the itching, and over-the- counter preparations, such as calamine lotion, help relieve mild rashes. Soaking in a tepid bath with an oatmeal or baking soda solution is recommended to dry oozing blisters. In severe cases, corticosteroid drugs can halt the reaction to urushiol if administered promptly. A physician may prescribe a steroid cream containing hydrocortisone to be applied to poison ivy lesions four to six times a day. Removing Plants The most effective way to kill young poison ivy plants is to pull them up by the root or dig them up (of course, when doing so, always wear gloves). The most effective time to remove poison ivy is from May through July. Dispose of the dead plants by chopping into small pieces and burying them, and then wash the gloves that were used or dispose of them as well. It is possible we may experience outbreaks of poison ivy infection more than ever before due to global warming. The greenhouse gas carbon dioxide is a major factor in promoting global warming. Increased carbon dioxide emissions are facilitating the flourishing of nuisance plants around the globe, including poison ivy, and also increasing urushiol concentrations and its potency. However, removing poison ivy isn't always necessary, especially if the plant grows where it won't bother anyone. Even if poison ivy grows in an area where people could come in contact with it, a prominently displayed warning sign may be the most practical measure. The Benefits of Poison Ivy Although poison ivy causes many of us discomfort, the plant does have some merit. For example, many birds, including warblers, woodpeckers, bluebirds, vireos, sapsuckers, thrushes and quail eat poison ivy berries. Rabbits, deer, muskrats and other mammals also eat the fruit, in addition to the stems and leaves with no ill effects. Thick stands of poison ivy provide cover for small wildlife, and the plant's ability to thrive in disturbed habitats makes it valuable in protecting soil from erosion. Poison ivy doesn't have to get under our skin. With some preventive measures, w e can easily identify and avoid the plant. Knowing its benefits, we can learn to coexist with poison ivy when fishing, hunting or engaging in other outdoor pursuits and even respect it as another aspect of Nebraska's natural beauty. ■ Joe Zentner is a retired professor and a freelance writer. His articles have appeared in both regional and national magazines. NEBRASKAland Magazine would also like to thank horticulturalists Mike Groenewold and Jon Morgenson and botanist Gerry Steinauer for their assistance with this article. VIRGINIA CREEPER, also found in Nebraska, is not only harmless to humans who come into contact with it, but makes for beautiful foliage throughout the year, especially in the fall when it turns brilliant reds, oranges and yellows.