Vines climbing my forest, good or bad? - Ask Extension
These vines are climbing up 65% of my trees. What are they? Is my forest in jeopardy of dying if allowed to continue to grow. What can be used to ...
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Vines climbing my forest, good or bad? #872070
Asked June 07, 2024, 1:16 PM EDT
These vines are climbing up 65% of my trees. What are they? Is my forest in jeopardy of dying if allowed to continue to grow. What can be used to eradicate? Chemicals to kill down to the root or pulling them down? Do any of these pictures show poison ivy? Is there a group in Michigan where other small forest owners can discuss/support for best practices of managing our small 1-2-5-10-20-40 acres with goal of sustainability?
Monroe County Michigan
Expert Response
Hello Christine,
Your photos show two different species of climbing vine. The photo #...0147 is Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia)
and the other two are poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans L.).
Although Virginia creeper leaves do not contain urushiol, the irritating oil found on all parts of poison ivy, the sap can irritate highly sensitive people. The berries are poisonous, as they contain a high concentration of oxalic acid, which is moderately toxic to humans and dogs.
All parts of poison ivy are poisonous and can cause severe skin reactions. Poison ivy should not be burned because urushiol is volatile and can be inhaled. The following article from MSU Extension is an excellent description of poison ivy and its management. Always take special caution when trying to remove poison ivy.
www.canr.msu.edu/pestid/uploads/files/PoisonIvy_E3438_AA+(002).pdf
The following are additional resources about poison ivy and Virginia creeper.https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/identify-and-manage-poison-ivy-in-christmas-trees-part-2?utm_source=
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/be_care ful_where_you_spray_that_stuff
I hope this helps but if you have questions or need more information, please contact us again.
P.S. I was unable to find any support groups for small forest owners. I will continue to search and will open this inquiry again if I am able to find anything.
Have a great summer!
Your photos show two different species of climbing vine. The photo #...0147 is Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia)
and the other two are poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans L.).
Although Virginia creeper leaves do not contain urushiol, the irritating oil found on all parts of poison ivy, the sap can irritate highly sensitive people. The berries are poisonous, as they contain a high concentration of oxalic acid, which is moderately toxic to humans and dogs.
All parts of poison ivy are poisonous and can cause severe skin reactions. Poison ivy should not be burned because urushiol is volatile and can be inhaled. The following article from MSU Extension is an excellent description of poison ivy and its management. Always take special caution when trying to remove poison ivy.
www.canr.msu.edu/pestid/uploads/files/PoisonIvy_E3438_AA+(002).pdf
The following are additional resources about poison ivy and Virginia creeper.https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/identify-and-manage-poison-ivy-in-christmas-trees-part-2?utm_source=
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/be_care ful_where_you_spray_that_stuff
I hope this helps but if you have questions or need more information, please contact us again.
P.S. I was unable to find any support groups for small forest owners. I will continue to search and will open this inquiry again if I am able to find anything.
Have a great summer!
