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Poison ivy is a perennial that is one of the hardest weeds to get rid of and is known for causing some of the worst skin rashes in people. The plant can be found across the U.S., in wooded areas, gardens, and open pastures. Pulling, digging, and using pesticides are some ways to get rid of poison ivy without killing other plants; the key to eliminating it is to remove all parts of the plant, both aboveground (foliage) and underground (roots).
When dealing with poison ivy, experts recommend wearing long sleeves, pants, closed-toe shoes, and disposable gloves to avoid exposure to urushiol, the toxic oil that causes those who are allergic to experience a reaction.
What’s Poison Ivy?
Poison ivy is a weed commonly found in the U.S. and one that most people avoid because its toxic oil can cause a rash when they come into contact with the plant.
Mike Arnold, Ph.D., professor in the Texas A&M Department of Horticultural Sciences and director of The Gardens at Texas A&M, explains, “Poison ivy, Toxicodendron radicans (synonym Rhus radicans), is a native North American deciduous climbing woody vine, or sometimes small shrubs, that can live for many years.”
In the summer, the plant has a green, vibrant color, and in the fall, it turns a reddish color.
The plant has three leaves, with the middle one being the largest one. There are three forms of poison ivy: a woody shrub, a climbing woody vine, and a groundcover.
- Wood Shrub: as the name suggests, this type of poison ivy spreads like a shrub and can be found in different areas, including gardens.
- Climbing Woody Vine: You’ll find this form of poison ivy on trees. The long roots climb trees and can take over their bodies. The root is “hairy” and fuzzy-looking and grows straight up trees.
- Ground cover: In this form, the plants spread out, covering the ground quickly.
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Why Is Poison Ivy So Hard to Eradicate?
“Poison ivy has adapted to a wide range of soil types, soil pH, and full sun to moderate shade. Frankly, it can grow in all but the most extreme conditions,” Arnold notes.
The plant has strong roots that can develop and spread fast, plus birds that feed on it can drop new seeds in different areas, resulting in new growth.
How to Get Rid of Poison Ivy Without Killing Other Plants
There are different ways to eliminate poison ivy, including pulling it out, digging it out, and using a pesticide, but whichever method you choose, it will take time and effort.
Here we will go over, step by step, how to eliminate poison ivy without killing the plants in your yard.
“The key to eliminating poison ivy is to remove both above- and below-ground portions of the plant (very difficult to achieve),” says Arnold.
With that in mind, here we have lined up the best ways to get rid of poison ivy.
Step 1: Protect Yourself
Gear up and wear long sleeves, pants, closed-toe shoes, and disposable gloves. Covering yourself in an outer layer using a long plastic bag will help, too, and is easy to remove and dispose of.
Step 2: Choose a Removal Method
This will depend on how established or big the poison ivy infestation is. Pulling and digging are the most eco-friendly ways to get rid of poison ivy without damaging other plants.
Pulling: Works for small plants that haven’t developed fully, are isolated, and you can pull the entire root system out.
Digging: This method works for larger, established plants. When digging the plants out, remove the overgrown bushes and find the stem, and based on the plant, dig it out. This limits your exposure.
Pesticides: This is the most effective way to eliminate both aboveground and underground poison ivy spread. Arnold recommends using a strong systemic herbicide specifically developed for poison ivy and woody plants that targets the entire plant, including foliage and roots. Alternatively, you can first cut off all overgrown leaves, leaving only the stem, or apply it directly to the plant. Pesticides containing glyphosate, triclopyr, or a 2,4-D amine, dicamba, and mecoprop combo are the most effective for eliminating poison ivy.
Tip: Use a trash picker to collect the plants and leaves and place them in a plastic bag. Don’t compost them.
Note: Unfortunately, despite what you might have heard, vinegar won’t kill poison ivy.
Step 3: Place Markers
Install lawn flags directly over the cleared area so you can accurately monitor the site over the coming weeks. This allows you to safely track whether the roots are completely dead, if new growth is emerging, or if the soil requires a follow-up treatment.
Step 4: Remove and Wash Clothes
Carefully remove your clothing and wash it thoroughly, and separate it from the rest of the family. Handling these pieces with care prevents any lingering bacteria or sweat from transferring to your everyday wardrobe or family items.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What to Do if You Come Into Contact With Poison Ivy?
Most people in the U.S. develop an allergic reaction when they come into contact with poison ivy. People will start noticing the rash within half an hour to several hours after being exposed to the plant. Dr. Carina Woodruff, a board-certified dermatologist with Epiphany Dermatology, recommends you “thoroughly wash the resin off all body surfaces” as soon as you realize you have touched the plant and “scrubbing thoroughly with a damp washcloth and liquid dishwashing soap.”
Timing is key to reducing the amount of toxin that remains in your body, so act fast; the longer you wait, the less you can remove. “At 10 minutes, about 50% of [poison ivy toxin] can be removed, but that decreases to about 10% after 30 minutes,” explains Dr. Woodruff.
Ensure you don’t touch your face or any other parts of your body, as the toxic oil can spread easily.
How to Manage a Poison Ivy Rash
“Very mild cases of poison ivy rash can be managed with over-the-counter hydrocortisone. You can apply this twice daily to affected areas,” notes Dr. Woodruff.
She explains that if the rash is rapidly spreading to other parts of the body and over-the-counter hydrocortisone isn’t working, it is time to see a doctor right away, as you may need prescription-strength topical steroids or oral or intramuscular steroids.
What Makes Poison Ivy So Allergenic
The reason poison ivy is so allergenic is due to its toxin, urushiol. “Urushiol is a very potent allergen and readily penetrates the skin. Urushiol engages multiple immune pathways, causing a layered and much more severe inflammatory response than typical contact allergens,” explains Dr. Woodruff.
Because it’s so strong, a very minor exposure to the toxin is enough to cause a rash to develop. But poison ivy isn’t the only plant that carries urushiol; poison oak and poison sumac also carry this allergen (plants that are widely available in the U.S.).
Remember, when working with poison ivy or related plants, always wear long sleeves, pants, closed-toe shoes, and gloves. Gloves should be disposed of, and clothes that have been exposed should be washed separately from the rest of the family’s clothing.
Can Dogs Get Poison Ivy?
Although dogs are less likely to develop a poison ivy rash after exposure, they can still carry it on their fur and spread it to their humans. If you know your dog has come into contact with poison ivy, it is best to wash them off using a damp cloth with dishwashing soap.
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