Is it actually poisonous in winter?

#poisonivy #toxicodendron

[FeralForaging]

EDIT: okay, I wasn't expecting this, but apparently we need to talk about what poison ivy actually is. Click the related video to find out!

I have a lot of reflections about this, but first, I’d like to address something. A lot of people are going to say “oh, you just aren’t that sensitive to poison ivy, that’s why you didn’t react before.” and I don’t think that is true. Here are some thoughts.

First, I know I’m sensitive to poison ivy. The fact that I had a reaction to the inner bark proves that to be true. It wasn’t shown enough in this short video, but I really rubbed the bark, buds, and hairs on my arms… a LOT. Seeing that I had ZERO reaction whatsoever (there were multiple days between experiments as well) makes me think that there is likely little to no urushiol present on the vines in the winter (particularly late winter; this may not be the case immediately after the leaves fall).

We don’t know the exact purpose of urushiol being present in Toxicodendron (it’s not to deter herbivory as most species do not react as we do), but its function may not be as required in the winter, so the plant won’t bother to expend energy producing it on the exterior when it is in its dormant stage.

So, the biggest thing I learned from this experiment is that for most people, it is likely far safer to remove poison ivy vines in the winter than in the summer. You’ll either have to deal with leaves loaded with urushiol then the inner bark which also has it, or just the inner bark along. I know which one I would pick!

Please DO NOT try to replicate my experiment. In truth, I got far too careless towards the end. Serious injury can occur from poison ivy exposure. Please be careful.

[jacksonhodge]

I’m immune to poison ivy. I love pulling it down and asking people “hey is this poison ivy?”

[candygrave]

This is fucking around and finding out on a good scientific level. Good knowledge, good test, good results, good format.

[laggybum]

The rash you get from poison ivy is from the oils in the plant. During the winter, the plant is dormant, so you have to damage it, like in the video, in order to release those oils. During the warmer months it is FAR easier to get!

[VladoYT]

“Every article claims that they are but I’m skeptical”
Famous last words

[aazhie]

Plants that are in dormant stage tend to draw a lot of their sap and juices into the core part of their form. This is not surprising, but very interesting!!

[pixelkitty]

The worst rash I ever had: hauling firewood. That was the winter I learned what poison ivy looks like when dormant.

[_shxdow_]

"Light work no reaction"
"*Oh this ones kinda strong*"

[CodyHomes]

It also depends on how allergic one is to the contact allergy, as you've proven.

[BoneViolyn]

Him: Light work, no reaction.

Him a few moments later: Oooh. Ok, it has got a little kick.

[apflsaft]

Dude is just like “light work no reaction”

[dalniente]

That last test was actually important for viewers I think! Many people would probably chop to plants up while removing it so it’s important to know thy you STILL don’t want I touching you when removing regardless of dormancy.

[larakalevra]

science happened, if you hadn't tried the inner bark we'd never know. (Only assume with like 99% confidence ^^)

[kayots]

'let me test the inner bark' LOL

[gery]

"Everyone says its poisonous, but im still gonna test it" -Famous last words

[THEJOSH-]

It's in the oil of the plant that does the work. That's why only the inner bark irritated your skin in the winter 😁

[ImTrashTJ]

🤣🤣🤣 It f**ked me up 🤣🤣🤣 dropped me after all the "It did nothing" 🤣🤣🤣

[terrylucas]

Was still a great test bro. You made it known if your cutting it down in winter to protect yourself from cut pieces. Appreciate ya bro! Safe travels young man🫡

[BentleyBuildz]

Poison ivy isn’t what causes reactions, it’s the histamine prone oil that covers the plant (urushiol oil)

[kaikaku]

Me:how
How:what
What:hello what u want
Hello:ok I want ice cream
Ice cream:huh???
911 what is ur emergency
Ur:wdym im emergency
Emergency:I am emergency