Hazardous Poison Plants and How to Avoid Rashes in Michigan

The Dangers of Poison Plants in Michigan

Michigan's forests, fields, and backyards host a variety of beautiful but hazardous plants. Coming into contact with poisonous vegetation can cause painful rashes and severe allergic reactions. Being able to identify poisonous plants is an important safety skill for Michigan residents and visitors.

Poison Ivy

Poison ivy is one of the most common and notorious poisonous plants in Michigan. This invasive plant can be found creeping along the ground or climbing trees and other structures. Poison ivy has three shiny green leaflets. It produces clusters of whitish berries. All parts of the poison ivy plant contain urushiol oil, which causes an itchy, blistering rash in most people. The rash appears within 1-2 days of exposure and can last 2-3 weeks. The urushiol oil can stick to skin, clothing, tools and pet fur. Poison ivy rashes are not contagious, but the oil can easily spread through contact.

Poison Sumac

Poison sumac is less common than poison ivy in Michigan but can cause more severe reactions in sensitive individuals. This shrub or small tree prefers very wet environments like bogs, swamps and marshes. Poison sumac has 7-13 smooth, oval leaflets arranged in pairs with one leaflet at the end. Dense clusters of pale yellow or cream-colored berries appear on female plants. Like poison ivy, poison sumac contains urushiol oil. Rashes and blisters from poison sumac often affect large areas of the body and can be accompanied by fever, headaches and swollen glands.

Poison Oak

Poison oak is rare in Michigan and mainly found in a few counties in the southwestern Lower Peninsula. This poisonous plant has the same urushiol oil as poison ivy and poison sumac. Poison oak leaves resemble oak leaves with three deeply lobed or toothed leaflets. It can grow as a shrub or vine. Touching any part of the plant can cause an agonizing rash within 12-48 hours of exposure. Poison oak rashes create red lines, bumps, swelling and watery blisters.

Wood Nettle

Wood nettle orLaportea canadensis is common in Michigan forests, thickets and trail edges. The leaves are oval with toothed edges and covered in stinging hairs. Brushing against wood nettle causes an instant stinging or burning sensation. Within minutes, small swollen white bumps develop where the skin made contact with the nettle hairs. Though painful and annoying, these stings are not medically dangerous for most people.

Stinging Nettle

Stinging nettle or common nettle is an invasive weed that has spread across Michigan. This plant has sharply toothed oval leaves covered in stinging hairs. The undersides of the leaves and stems are also lined with stinging hairs. Stinging nettle grows 2-7 feet tall in dense patches along roadsides, fields and trailsides. The stings cause a mild burning feeling and itchy red bumps. Stinging nettle has been used as a medicinal herb to treat pain, inflammation and arthritis when the stinging chemicals are neutralized.

Cow Parsnip

Cow parsnip is a tall, flowering plant commonly found in Michigan forests, meadows and floodplains. Also called Heracleum maximum, this plant has huge leaves up to 5 feet across. The stems and leaf veins are covered in stiff hairs that can cause skin irritation, blisters and swelling when touched. Cow parsnip produces white umbrella-shaped flower clusters in the summer. Contact with the sap from broken stems and leaves can also cause blisters and rashes, especially in bright sunshine.

Wild Parsnip

Wild parsnip is another flowering plant invasive to Michigan. This weed grows in fields, roadsides and disturbed areas. Wild parsnip has yellow umbrella-shaped flowers and leaves with jagged, toothed edges. Like cow parsnip, the leaves and stems have chemicals called furanocoumarins that cause skin irritation. Brushing against wild parsnip can result in redness, burning, blisters and discolored scars on the skin.

Giant Hogweed

Giant hogweed is a toxic flowering plant that has been spotted at a few locations in Michigan. Native to Asia, this incredibly large weed can reach up to 14 feet tall. The stems have sharp thorns and stiff toxic hairs. The deeply lobed leaves can span 5 feet across. Brushing against giant hogweed causes painful, burning rashes and blisters. When the sap gets on the skin and is exposed to sunlight, it can lead to third-degree burns, scarring and even blindness.

Other Skin-Irritating Plants

A variety of other Michigan plants can also irritate the skin on contact. Stiff prickly plants like thistles and wild roses can cause minor skin scratches and irritation. The sap of many plants like Queen Anne's Lace, buttercups and spicebush may irritate sensitive skin. Certain plants, like lupine, foxglove and rhododendron, are also toxic when ingested.

How to Treat Poison Plant Rashes

Coming into contact with poisonous plants is hard to avoid completely when spending time outdoors in Michigan. If you develop a rash from poison ivy, oak, sumac or other irritating plants, take the following steps:

• Wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and cool water to remove any lingering plant oils.
• Apply a cold compress to relieve itching and inflammation.
• Take an antihistamine containing diphenhydramine to reduce swelling, itching and oozing.
• Apply calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream to ease itching.
• Keep the rash clean and dry to prevent infection.
• Avoid scratching, which can spread the rash and cause infections.
• See a doctor for severe rashes with swelling, pus, fever or other signs of infection.

How to Prevent Poison Plant Rashes

You can avoid painful poison plant rashes by taking the following precautions when spending time outdoors in areas where toxic plants may grow:

• Wear long pants and long sleeves to keep skin covered.
• Apply a barrier cream containing bentoquatam to exposed skin.
• Wear gloves while gardening and hiking.
• Wash skin and clothes right after outdoor exposure.
• Learn to identify poisonous plants.
• Stay on designated hiking trails.
• Keep pets on leashes and away from poison plants.
• Remove poison plants from your yard.
• Educate children about hazardous plants.

Dangerous Poison Plants in Michigan

Michigan's woods, meadows and backyards contain beautiful plants that can also be quite hazardous. Poison ivy, poison sumac and poison oak contain urushiol oil that causes severe itchy rashes. Stinging nettle and wood nettle have stinging hairs. Giant hogweed and cow parsnip have toxic sap. Familiarizing yourself with poison plants, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding contact are the best ways to prevent painful plant-induced rashes.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.