Poison Ivy rash is the worst! So sorry this is happening.

The good news is that the plants in the photos are not poison ivy. The second photo looks like it could be a black walnut sapling and the others it is difficult to say until we see some potential blooms. 

You can reference our poison ivy page to see photos and learn how to identify it. You can use a systemic herbicide to paint or carefully spray on the leaves to help eliminate it. This is in detail on the link provided. Be careful not to get it on the pachysandra leaves. You can use a piece or cardboard to shield it from the other plants.

Basic rule of thumb for ID is common saying leaves of three-let them be, but a lot of young plants can look similar to poison ivy. The new growth is glossy and usually reddish in color. and the leaf arrangement is alternate, not opposite on the stems. 

If you think you have found it and would like confirmation, feel free to send back a photo. 

Emily



The photos are too small in resolution and too far away to identify any poison ivy plants if that is what you were asking. 

In terms of try to manage it, the systemic or pulling by hand is the best method. Using something to shield the plants like we mentioned if spraying or planting. Wearing long pants, long sleeves and gloves can protect your skin. Then just carefully remove the clothing and wash separately from other clothes. There are specific over the counter soaps that can help breakdown the oils for poison ivy and other plants with irritating oils, so just follow the label directions on how to wash with it. 

Pachysandra is considered an invasive plant but the task of removing it may be too much all at once. You could always attempt to remove smaller sections at a time and replace with native groundcovers and understory plants. If you were to remove it, you would be able to start fresh and remove the poison ivy as well. It wouldn't necessarily mean that PI would not come back some day since birds, squirrels, chipmunks and other wildlife will eat the berries and deposit seeds. 

If you want guidance on removal or recommendation on replacement plants, let us know. 

Emily