Summertime is vastly approaching. That’s right! Swimming out on Percy Priest Lake, barbecues in your backyard, and even hikes through Percy Warner is here for the next few months. However one essential thing to understand while you’re out in nature is how to spot Poison Ivy and how it compares to a similar-looking plant: the Virginia Creeper.
Like with any wildlife, knowledge is power. The more you know, the more tools you have to arm yourself as you enjoy the great Tennessee outdoors. Poison Ivy and Virginia Creeper are easy plants to get mixed up. They’re similar in size, can crawl up trees, have pointy leaves and they both turn red during the fall months. However, rest assure that Virginia Creeper will not give you painful rash Poison Ivy will give you. Here are some characteristics to determine the difference between Poison Ivy and Virginia Creeper.
Poison Ivy — “Leaves of Three, Let Them Be.”
- The biggest detail of Poison Ivy is that it will always have three leaves or leaflets.
- The leaves will be smooth, not serrated.
- Poison Ivy will produce “hairy” vines during the winter months as they grow on trees. (These will also contain the oil that will cause a red, itchy rash. This oil, also called urushiol, can be spread through direct contact or through the air. For this reason, be careful of firewood with Poison Ivy still attached as and call a professional for necessary treecare or firewood questions.)
- Poison Ivy will grow greenish-white berries.
Virginia Creeper — “Leaves of Five, Let Them Thrive.”
- Biggest characteristic is its five leaves or leaflets. Some young plants will have three, but typically, the plant will always have four or five.
- The leaves will be serrated.
- The plant grows blue berries during the fall — a favorite treat among many birds.
- The vines of the Virginia Creeper are small and simple, versus the Poison Ivy’s hairy vines.
Enjoying the Nashville outdoors is a great perk of the summertime, but with it comes necessary research and knowledge. Knowing the difference between Poison Ivy and Virginia Creeper is the easiest way to avoid an unfortunate rash later. The Parke Company has experience in removing the poisonous vines if you need assistance. If you think your trees or property have poison ivy and you have questions about proper treecare, call The Parke Company at (615) 405-6548.
Vines can convey a variety of meanings, especially depending on the setting. For example, ivy crawling up Belle Meade plantation can be both beautiful and majestic. However, vines crawling up your oak tree in your West Nashville home can often be annoying and look invasive. However, before you go crazy with the garden sheers, consult with the Parke Company on removing the vines for you. Removing vines without proper knowledge or background can often damage the tree and put you in harm’s way.
Every tree has a story. From a tree’s young beginnings to its majestic maturity, the tree has seen everything from wars to celebrations. Take the Battle of Nashville basket oak for example. For over 150 years, this beautiful tree stood right in the heart of Tennessee and witnessed some of America’s most crucial moments spanning all the way back to the Civil War, to the Civil Rights Movement and finally into today.