Poison Ivy: Can grow as a vine or shrub. 3 glossy leaves with smooth or toothed edges. Leaves are reddish in spring, green in summer and yellow orange or red in fall. genus Toxicodendron. Urushiol, a clear liquid compound in the sap of each of these plants, is the culprit in causing the itching, redness and swelling associated with these three plants. The oil itself is harmless and can only bind to human skin. It can remain toxic for years however, on pets, shoes, bedding, furniture, clothing, gloves and tools, sports equipment, or anything you use outside. Urushiol must penetrate the skin to cause a reaction, and can depend on the amount of sap, the length of exposure, and the parts of the body exposed skin can be thicker or thinner depending on the part of the body. It will also depend on your individual sensitivity. Urushiol oil can stay active on dead plants for years. Pay special attention to under your nails as the Urushiol can live for quite a while under the nail.
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