Many residents and visitors are flocking to Oakland County this summer to play at the parks, wade in the lakes and hike trails. Whether you’re trekking in parks or taking pictures of wild landscapes, be prepared as you may encounter poison ivy, giant hogweed and more. This is part 4 of the summertime safety series – plant rashes and dermatitis.
Poison Ivy & Poison Sumac Prevention
Identify but do not touch poison ivy or sumac.
- Poison ivy will climb trees, rocks and walls. If there is nothing for it to climb up, it will spread on the ground. Poison ivy can also grow into a small shrub. It is known for its three notched leaves that have a large hump or “thumb” at the base of each leaf. The leaves are green during summer, reddish yellow during fall and dark red during spring. Poison ivy grows small white berries during spring and has fine hairs that stay year-round.
- Poison sumac is a tall shrub or small tree that grows along bodies of water, in swampy areas and in other lowlands. It has tiny branches that have seven to 13 leaflets. The leaflets are oval-shaped with rippled edges that taper to sharp points. The leaves are green in summer and bright red and orange in fall. Poison sumac also grows white berries.
Poison Ivy & Poison Sumac Treatment
- Skin contact with the oil from these plants causes a rash. If you come in contact with the plant, immediately wash the area thoroughly with soap and water to remove the oil from your skin, dry with a disposable paper towel.
- If you develop a rash, apply cold compresses, and over-the-counter products such as cortisone creams, antihistamines (Benadryl) or Ivy-dry to lessen the irritation.
- Once you have the rash, the oil has been absorbed, and you probably can’t spread it to others or elsewhere on yourself. If your skin blisters, the liquid inside the blisters is mostly water and will not spread the rash even if they break.
- If your symptoms are severe or prolonged, seek medical attention.
Giant Hogweed, Cow Parsnip & Wild Parsnip Reaction Prevention
Identify but do not touch giant hogweed, cow parsnip and wild parsnip.
- Giant hogweed grows from 8 to 15 feet. It has small white flowers that cluster at the top and large jagged lobed leaves. The stems are thick with purple blotches and coarse white hair.
- Cow parsnip grows from 4 to 5 feet. It also has small white flowers that cluster at the top and serrated, rounded, lobed leaves. The stems and leaves are covered in fine, soft hair.
- Wild parsnip grows up to 5 feet. It has small yellow flower clusters and saw-toothed, lobed leaves. The stems are yellowish-green and have grooves.
- Be careful when walking in meadows or alongside water banks and ditches.
- Do not cut these to avoid splattering sap. Contact Oakland County CISMA at parksnr@oakgov.com.
- Wear eye protection, gloves, long sleeves, pants and boots. Take precautions when removing clothing and wash them immediately.
Giant Hogweed, Cow Parsnip & Wild Parsnip Reaction Treatment
- If the plant touches your skin, immediately wash the area with soap and water.
- Stay inside and away from direct sunlight for 48 hours. If the rash worsens or gets into your eyes, see a doctor immediately.
For more information, visit the Oakland County Health Division website. Follow along with them for more safety tips and health news on Facebook and X.
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