When you pull weeds in a landscape, your hands may get a stinging, burning, or itching sensation if you come in contact with certain skin-irritating plants. Various plants use chemical warfare to protect themselves from being eaten by foraging animals or removed by human hands. Don’t touch these five toxic plants without wearing gloves.
Skin-Irritating Plants
Stinging nettle, as its name implies, sets off a stinging sensation in your skin upon contact and may produce a rash. After the stinging stops, the skin may feel clammy and slightly wet. Stinging nettle leaves are narrow and can be recognized by their sharp, saw-toothed edges.
Wood nettle makes your skin burn upon contact. Wood nettle leaves are broader than stinging nettle leaves and have a ribbed pattern radiating out from the center to the edges. Generally, any plant with “nettle” in its name is not your friend.
Poison ivy is the most commonly known toxic plant to the skin, causing a rash containing blisters. Some people have an exceptionally allergic reaction that can be life-threatening. Only pull poison ivy while wearing gloves, long sleeves, and pants. Stuff the vine into plastic bags, tie them off, and toss them in the trash. Never burn poison ivy, as even the smoke can carry the toxin and irritate the mucous membranes of the eyes and respiratory tract. Poison ivy is recognizable by its distinct, large, saw-tooth leaves that grow in groups of three. In the fall, the leaves may change color to red or yellow. If unsure, remember the saying: “Leaves of three, let it be.”
Poison oak and poison sumac bring similar symptoms as poison ivy and should be handled with similar precautions. The rash these plants cause may produce blisters. Poison oak leaves resemble those of an oak tree, although the plant is not part of the oak family. Poison sumac, on the other hand, is a bushy plant characterized by long leaves that radiate sideways from the branch.
Giant hogweed is not as widespread as nettles and poison ivy—it’s found in just 16 states. It is an invasive species introduced from the Caucasus Mountains of Asia in 1917 as a decorative plant. It grows aggressively and crowds out other plants. It can reach over 10 feet tall and has very broad leaves topped with clusters of white flowers. It is sometimes mistaken for Queen Anne’s lace. Touching the plant is not toxic, but getting the sap on the skin damages your skin’s ability to protect itself from ultraviolet light, leading to a severe sunburn called phytophotodermatitis.
Other, lesser-known irritants
- Wild parsnip roots are edible, but getting the sap on the skin can also produce phytophotodermatitis, just like giant hogweed.
- Baby’s breath is a staple in the floral trade, often used in flower arrangements, but the sap can cause minor skin irritation.
- Besides skin irritations, there are a host of plants with pollen that causes respiratory irritation, such as ragweed and many others.
What to do if you’re affected
Most plants that irritate the skin and respiratory tract utilize histamines, among other chemicals. Using a topical treatment with an antihistamine, such as calamine lotion or Benadryl cream, brings temporary relief. Taking an antihistamine tablet can help as well. There are several nondrowsy antihistamines available over the counter.
If you experience shortness of breath, numbness, and tingling at the site of the irritation and a thickened tongue, call 911 or Poison Control, as these are signs of a severe allergic reaction that could be life-threatening.
Related – Safe Removal of Poison Ivy From Your Landscape
