Connecticut Green Trails Program

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Hiking Basics - The Basics From A To Z

Hiking Safety - Natural Hazards

The Flora

The Basics

• Those nasty weeds - poison ivy, poison sumac and poison oak - are the single most common cause of allergic reactions in the United States.

• Each year 10 to 50 million Americans develop an allergic rash after contact with these poisonous plants.

• Poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac grow almost everywhere in the United States, except Hawaii, Alaska and some desert areas of Nevada.

• Poison ivy usually grows east of the Rocky Mountains and in Canada.

• Poison oak grows in the Western United States, Canada and Mexico (western poison oak) and in the southeastern states (eastern poison oaks).

• Poison sumac grows in the eastern states and Southern Canada.

Poisonous Plants General Overview

• Poison plants are not your friend.

• All parts of the plant (leaves, stems, roots, berries) contain a toxic oil which binds to your skin, or your coat, shoes, dog fur, or anything it comes in contact with.

• It causes a nasty rash and blisters which can be spread all over your body by scratching, and can last for weeks.

• The toxic oil can be washed off with soap and water immediately after contact, but if it stays in contact with your skin for more than a few minutes it becomes chemically bound and cannot be washed off.

• There are several products on the market which are more effective for removing the oil than regular soap, if used promptly. 

• If you get it on your clothing, boots, gloves, etc. it will stay there for a long time - a year or more - so you can "catch the itch" long after you have been in the woods.

• Some people seem to be "immune" to its ill effects, but beware - any one can become sensitized, even if you have not been sensitive before.

• The best strategy is to learn to recognize this plant in all its various forms, and at all times of year, and AVOID IT! 

Poison Ivy

Poison Oak

Poison Sumac