Experts warn of spreading poison ivy and poison hemlock - can Iowans identify them?
We asked hikers or bikers if they could differentiate between poisonous plants and their safe look-alikes.
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) - Whether it’s just a few sprouts or a fully-grown bush, poison ivy and poison hemlock can be a big pain for outdoor enthusiasts.
And experts say they’re popping up all over Eastern Iowa, especially along trails.
“The increase in poison ivy is directly related to two things: one, it does really well with increased carbon dioxide in the air. So, as that increases, the vines do really well, so they’ve been proliferating. They also do really well in disturbed soil.” said Indian Creek Nature Center’s Director of Land Stewardship, Jean Wiedenheft.
Both plants, although different, can cause a variety of health issues.
If touched, poison ivy can cause painful, blistering rashes. Whereas poison hemlock can cause seizures, slow heartbeat, and in extreme cases, death, if ingested.
And one Cedar Rapids doctor says he sees patients for both, but especially poison ivy, frequently.
“Poison ivy is everywhere, and certainly we see much more of it during this time of year. 85 to 90 percent of the population is going to have some degree of sensitivity to it.” said Andy Patterson M.D., the Medical Director of Mercy Care Urgent Cares.
And with such a large percentage of the population susceptible, you’d think hikers and bikers would keep an eye out for poison ivy and hemlock.
To test this, a KCRG Reporter took to the trails with photos of both plants, as well as pictures of look-alikes. None of the hikers and bikers she asked could identify poison hemlock, but most could identify poison ivy.
But because they can be so easily confused, both physicians and nature experts say a few simple precautions can minimize the damage after-the-fact.
“I think whenever you come in from the outdoors, you should take a very good shower. You should do that before you eat, you should, you know, do that before anything else; just put your clothes in the washing machine and take a good shower.” advised Wiedenheft.
Though, she says if you ingest poison hemlock, either by eating it or inhaling the smoke from burning it, call 911 immediately.
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