Spring Has Sprung For This Toxic One
REDDING LIFESTYLES, SHASTA COUNTY
April 1st, 2009
It was known as Rhus diversilobum when I took dendrology in college but was later reclassified as Toxicodendron diversolobum aka poison oak. This time of year it leafs out with deep reddish purple leaves that occasionally attracts unwary pickers that find its colorful foliage alluring. Over the years, I’ve heard stories from friends about cars on the side of the road cutting bundles for display in vases at home. Yikes!
Poison oak is plentiful in the Northstate. I have had rashes so severe that I was out of school for two weeks during the second grade. I had a scar on my arm that took two years to fade away. My friends and I were rolling in piles of leaves not knowing it was poison oak. Years later as a Boy Scout I learned how to identify the plant-Leaves of three, let it be! I now know what it looks like in all its variations including the dormant leafless state. The leaves are easily confused with blackberry bushes. However, the berry bushes have thorns not found on poison ivy. Identifying and avoiding the plant is the best prevention. If exposed, a quick wash with Technu usually lessens the outbreak. Here are some interesting facts about poison oak:
- A billionth of a gram can cause a rash
- 1/4 ounce of urushiol is enough to infect everyone on earth
- 500 people could itch from the amount covering a pin head
- Urushiol, the active ingredient that causes rashes, can stay active for five years on any surface
- Sensitivity can develop at any time
Workers Compensation covers poison oak outbreaks in many states including California.
Here are some common myths about poison oak:
- The rash is contagious-Not!
- You can catch poison oak by just being near plants-No, you must touch it to be exposed to Urushiol
- Leaves of three, let them be-true for poison oak and ivy but not sumac (7-13 leaves/branch)
- Breaking blisters can spread rash-Nope, although you could get an infection
- I’m immune to its effects-90% are allergic and first time sufferers may not see a rash for 7-10 days
Poison oak is common in the Redding area and surrounding foothills to about 4000′. It likes areas where the soil has been disturbed. Road banks are preferred habitat for this noxious plant. Wear protective clothing when visiting areas known to have poison oak plants. Pets can spread the oil from their fur to others that have not wandered into contact with the actual plant.
530-224-6767 or 530-941-7492
BRAD GARBUTT
REALTOR/BROKER ASSOCIATE
REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS GMAC
QUARTER CENTURY LOCAL REAL ESTATE EXPERIENCE
I have six acres in Rogue River that need to be
cleaned up. I recently grated a road on to the property with a turn-around. I hear goats are a
good way to clear out the pesky vegetation. Anyone
know of someone in Jackson County, Oregon who hires out goats for this purpose?