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The Kind of Misery Itched in Memory
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Bergmann said that although the old "leaves of three, leave it be" warning still applies, it does not apply in all cases. Poison ivy "can be in a small cluster or in upright bush form.''
And it's not always ground-bound.
"It can climb trees,'' she added.
So is it time put the camping gear in storage and check into the nearest hotel? Or should we be rounding up the Roundup?
Eric Burkhart, program director for plant science at Shaver's Creek Environmental Center at Penn State University, is no fan of the vine but said people need to think before they grab their weed whackers.
Poison ivy is a native plant that plays an important role in forest life. Deer, rabbits and 40 species of birds depend on its berries and leaves for food. (And, no, scientists don't think it's possible for deer to be trained to eat only poison ivy, but thanks for asking.)
"People have to recognize that something we find not very useful has value in the world," Burkhart said. "Aside from just the fact there might be a lot of birds and critters that can consume the berries and deer that eat the foliage, these are carbon sinks -- these are actually taking up carbon."
Poison ivy's penchant for thriving in carbon dioxide-rich environments may yield human benefits. Part of Ziska's job at the Agricultural Research Center is to determine whether the qualities that allow poison ivy to thrive can be transferred to such plants as soybeans, wheat and rice.
Ziska said we may just have to learn to live with our itchy nemesis. The best defense?
"At this point, there are two things: awareness and education," he said. "When you do come in contact with it, wash it off as soon as possible."
After being told about poison ivy's more positive contributions, Caspi was only slightly convinced.
"It's a perfectly legitimate plant. The only problem is when it grows in inappropriate places, where people go and children play and dogs sniff," she said. "It's allowed to flourish. It should, as part of the normal upkeep of the trails, be controlled."
Weed whacker, anyone?
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