If you've ever had a reaction from contact with poison ivy, you realize the necessity for control. More people are affected by poison ivy than all other poisonous plants combined.

Poison ivy grows as an upright woody, single-stemmed plant in our area. The leaves are borne on fairly long stalks and consists of three leaflets which are from one to four inches long. Although plants of poison ivy vary considerably, the main constant characteristic is the three leaflets. Poison ivy bears small white flowers from June to August which are followed by greenish-white berries that will begin to appear about mid-July. All parts of the plant are poisonous.

Remove poison ivy from areas where individuals may come in contact with it. Isolated plants can be dug out with a spade and put into the garbage. But whether digging or spraying to control poison ivy, remember that the poison can be carried on clothing and equipment, so wear rubber gloves and wash clothing and equipment after use. Contact made with the plants after they are dried up and dead, will still give you poison ivy, so be very careful when handling and disposing of the plants. Smoke from burning the plants will also cause a reaction.

Control larger areas of poison ivy by spraying with a 2,4-D, MCCP, and dicamba (Banvel) mixture, such as Weed-B-Gon, according to label directions. Products such as  Brush-B-Gon which contain Tryclopyr as the active ingredient can also be effective. Roundup also provides good control but it kills all vegetation it contacts, so be careful when applying around trees and shrubs.

This page was last updated April 2003

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