Poison Ivy Removal - Ask Extension
Hello,
We have some poison ivy growing in a couple different places in our yard. We are also trying very hard to have a pesticide free native garden...
Knowledgebase
Poison Ivy Removal #868948
Asked May 17, 2024, 6:09 PM EDT
Hello,
We have some poison ivy growing in a couple different places in our yard. We are also trying very hard to have a pesticide free native garden/wildlife habitat. Is there any way to get rid of the poison ivy without the use of toxic chemicals?
Thank you!
Wayne County Michigan
Expert Response
Hello Heidi,
Two different plant species in Michigan are referred to as poison ivy. Eastern poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) is concentrated in the lower half of the Lower Peninsula and Western poison ivy (Toxicodendron rydbergii) can be found in the Upper Peninsula and the northern and western portions of the Lower Peninsula.
The following is an excerpt from Michigan State Extension that summarizes the problem with poison ivy:
Urushiol is the substance responsible for skin irritation in many people. It is an oil found on all parts of the poison ivy plant (that is, leaves, roots, stems both green and woody, and berries). This oil can be transferred from the plant to skin, gloves, clothing, equipment, and animal fur. The oil does not break down rapidly, therefore, it can later be transferred from animals and objects to your skin.
Please click on the link below from MSU. It will give you the information you need about the management of poison ivy.
https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/poison-ivy-toxicodendron-radicans-rydbergii?utm_source=%3Ca%20href=
If you have questions or need more information, please contact us again.
Have a nice Memorial weekend!
Two different plant species in Michigan are referred to as poison ivy. Eastern poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) is concentrated in the lower half of the Lower Peninsula and Western poison ivy (Toxicodendron rydbergii) can be found in the Upper Peninsula and the northern and western portions of the Lower Peninsula.
The following is an excerpt from Michigan State Extension that summarizes the problem with poison ivy:
Urushiol is the substance responsible for skin irritation in many people. It is an oil found on all parts of the poison ivy plant (that is, leaves, roots, stems both green and woody, and berries). This oil can be transferred from the plant to skin, gloves, clothing, equipment, and animal fur. The oil does not break down rapidly, therefore, it can later be transferred from animals and objects to your skin.
Please click on the link below from MSU. It will give you the information you need about the management of poison ivy.
https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/poison-ivy-toxicodendron-radicans-rydbergii?utm_source=%3Ca%20href=
If you have questions or need more information, please contact us again.
Have a nice Memorial weekend!
