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Possible poison ivy? #880604

Asked August 07, 2024, 5:17 PM EDT

Could you please help in telling me if this is poison over? Husband has a rash and I'm not sure what this is ?

Berks County Pennsylvania

Expert Response

This appears to be Asiatic Bittersweet, a very aggressive and invasive perennial. It can grow to 60 feet and, unless removed, can gird and strangle its host tree. It contains the same toxin as poison ivy, urushiol, and it can cause severe reactions in the people exposed to it. 
Jeanne
An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 07, 2024, 5:49 PM EDT

Wow!!! Thanks so much!! I truly appreciate your help & amazing knowledge on this matter.
My husband's leg and arm are quite a site! Lol and itchy!!

Could I ask how do we get rid of it safely?  I know to cover all exposed skin but can we put it in our area land fill?

Thanks again! 


On Wed, Aug 7, 2024, 5:49 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied August 07, 2024, 6:16 PM EDT
This information comes from TreesAtlanta.org. I never personally recommend using chemicals because of impacts to nature and wildlife, but the following directions recommend very careful use. I hope this helps you to rid your property of this nasty vine.
Jeanne

Follow vines down to the ground until you find the nodes/crown. Use a handsaw to cut into the node/crown and treat with herbicide. We use a high concentrate (between 20-50%), glyphosate-based solution and add in an indicator dye to keep track of what has been treated. Be sure not to spray the herbicide anywhere but on the woody stem. Treat within 5-10 minutes, otherwise the wound will dry and the herbicide will not be absorbed.

If you prefer not to use an herbicide (cut-and-leave), know that the vine will regrow. Make your initial cut around 1’ to waist height off of the ground to allow recutting in subsequent years. When the plant regrows, take pruners or a hand saw and remove all new growth as soon as you see it. This will eventually starve the roots, killing the plant.



An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 08, 2024, 11:46 AM EDT

Thanks so much!  I appreciate the information!!
This is in an area where he mows our grass and he will be in contact quite often.

Again,  thanks for taking the time to help us! It's so kind of you!

Take care & God bless you!


On Thu, Aug 8, 2024, 11:46 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied August 08, 2024, 12:52 PM EDT
It's my pleasure. There are many of us here to help you with your gardening questions, so don't hesitate to contact Penn State Extension with any concerns.
Jeanne
An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 08, 2024, 1:44 PM EDT

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