RADIO TRANSCRIPT
May 28, 2025
Matt Rodriguez

This is Matt Rodriguez, horticulture extension agent with North Carolina Cooperative Extension – Burke County Center.

I’d like to take some time to talk about poison ivy. Now that we are all spending more time outside, it is important to know how to identify poison ivy. Everyone knows “leaves of three, leave it be”, but there is more to identifying poison ivy and there are quite a few look-alikes. Poison ivy grows in a vine, with clusters of three oval-shaped leaves that range in color from green to orange. The leaves have a waxy surface.  The oily resin on the leaves causes many people to experience an itchy rash characterized by small clusters of red bumps. In regards to handling poison ivy safely to prevent spreading of this annoying plant. There are a few methods, but be smart.

The first and most cost effective method is manually removing the plant. Be sure to wear gloves and long sleeves for this process, and to wash up afterwards. Be cautious as the oils can stick around, so clean anything that may have touched the plant. If there is too much poison ivy to manually remove, you can use a contact herbicide such as a 41% Glyphosate concentrate or Triclopyr. Spray in late summer to early fall. You can also create a barrier using cardboard or a dark colored cloth to cover the plant and prevent it from getting sunlight. Keep in mind these two practices could harm other plants in your landscape. So Be safe and let us know if you any questions.

This has been Matt Rodriguez, Horticulture Agent with North Carolina Cooperative Extension- Burke County Center. For more information, call us at 828-764-9480.