Parents are encouraged to help children recognize several poisonous plants that may be found in yards, wooded areas, ditches, fields, trails and along fence lines. Children should be taught never to touch, pick, smell, taste or make “bouquets” from plants they do not know.
Poison hemlock has clusters of tiny white flowers that grow in umbrellashaped groups. Its leaves look lacy, almost like parsley or carrot tops, and the plant can grow tall. One of its most important warning signs is a smooth green stem with purple spots or streaks. All parts of poison hemlock are poisonous, and children should stay away from it completely.
Poison ivy is often remembered by the saying, “Leaves of three, let it be.” It usually has three leaflets, with the middle leaflet on a longer stem. The leaves may be shiny or dull, smooth or slightly toothed, and can grow as a vine or low plant. Poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac contain an oil called urushiol that can cause an itchy rash and blisters.
Poison oak also usually has three leaflets, but the leaves are more rounded and may look somewhat like oak leaves. It may grow as a small shrub or vine. Because it can look different depending on the season and location, children should be taught not to rely only on one picture.
Poison sumac looks different from poison ivy and poison oak. Instead of three leaves, it has several leaflets arranged along a stem, often 7 to 13. It is more likely to grow in wet or swampy areas and may have pale berries.
A good rule for children is simple: if they are not sure what a plant is, they should not touch it. If contact is suspected, wash the skin with soap and water as soon as possible, and wash clothing, shoes, tools or pets that may have touched the plant oil. Burning poisonous plants should be avoided because smoke from the plants can irritate the lungs.