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Living and working on a homestead means enjoying the great outdoors, but it also sometimes means encountering plants that can cause skin irritation. Knowing which plants to watch out for helps keep yourself and your family safe from uncomfortable or even harmful reactions.
Bull Nettle (Cnidoscolus stimulosus)
Also known as spurge nettle, bull nettle is notorious for its painful sting. The plant has fine hairs that, when touched, inject toxins causing intense pain and irritation.
It typically grows up to 2 feet tall and has white flowers. The leaves are deeply lobed and covered with stinging hairs.
Manchineel Tree
One of the most toxic trees in the world, the manchineel tree (Hippomane mancinella) is found in tropical climates and is extremely dangerous. Its sap causes severe burns and even blindness if it contacts the eyes. Every part of the tree, including the fruit, is toxic.
It resembles an apple tree with shiny green leaves and small green or yellow fruits that look like apples.
Tree of Heaven
While not irritating to touch for most people, the Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima) can cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals and is incredibly invasive, making it a nuisance on many properties.
This invasive tree grows rapidly and has long compound leaves with multiple leaflets. It is often mistaken for sumac or walnut.
Hogweed
Related to giant hogweed but less potent, common hogweed (Heracleum sphondylium) still contains phototoxic sap that can cause skin irritation and light sensitivity, though its effects are generally milder than its larger cousin.
Common hogweed is smaller than giant hogweed, with hairy stems and broad, lobed leaves. It also produces white flower clusters similar to those of giant hogweed.
Giant Hogweed
Beware of giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum), a formidable plant that might lurk in overgrown patches. Its sap causes severe skin irritation and can even lead to blindness if it contacts the eyes. This plant intensifies skin sensitivity to sunlight, making burns more likely. If you touch giant hogweed, avoid sunlight for 48 hours after washing the area thoroughly.
Look for a tall plant that can grow up to 14 feet high with large, up to five feet across, leaves and clusters of white flowers. The stems are rigid, hollow, and covered with white hairs.
Stinging Nettle
Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica), despite its use in teas and various recipes, is a nuisance due to the immediate rash it causes upon contact. The reaction can be severe, with raised bumps and potential allergic responses. If stung, let the area dry for about 10 minutes before washing gently to avoid further irritation.
This plant is common in moist, shaded areas and can be recognized by its hairy stems and serrated leaves, which cause a stinging sensation when touched.
Ragweed
Ragweed (genus Ambrosia) is infamous for causing hay fever, and contact with the plant can also lead to skin rashes. It’s essential to recognize and manage exposure to ragweed to prevent these allergic reactions.
Ragweed plants have fern-like, fine-haired leaves and bear flowers in spikes or streamers at the top, which disperse a significant amount of pollen.
Gas Plant
Also known as burning bush (Dictamnus albus), the gas plant can cause skin irritation when its sap is exposed to sunlight. Despite its attractive flowers and citrus scent, touching the plant can lead to a painful rash.
It grows about 40 inches tall with spikes of purple or white flowers and leaves resembling those of an ash tree.
Wild Parsnip
Wild parsnip (Pastinaca sativa) is dangerous due to its sap, which causes severe skin irritation and sensitivity to sunlight that can last for years. The roots are edible, but the rest of the plant is toxic and should be handled with extreme caution.
This plant reaches up to six feet tall, bearing small yellow flowers. It resembles Queen Anne’s Lace but has a hollow stem and ovate leaves that decrease in size towards the top.
Poison Ivy
You’re likely familiar with poison ivy, which is infamous for causing skin irritation. It’s found all over the United States and comes in three varieties: Toxicodendron radicans, T. rydbergii, and T. orientale. The entire plant contains urushiol, a substance that causes itching, swelling, and sometimes blisters long after initial contact. Remember, if the leaves are in clusters of three, steer clear to avoid discomfort.
Poison Sumac
Less common but more potent, poison sumac grows near water sources and in areas with heavy clay soil. This plant also contains urushiol and requires direct contact with damaged parts to cause a reaction. It appears as a shrub or small tree with a red stem, up to 13 green leaves, and carries dull gray berries.
Poison Oak
Another urushiol carrier, poison oak can be found in dry, forested areas. It affects some people more severely than others, and the allergen can be transferred via skin, clothing, or tools. Look for clusters of three dark green leaves and avoid burning the plant, as it releases toxic compounds into the air. Even in winter, when leaves are not present, the plant remains hazardous.
Wood Nettle
Found in moist woodland areas, wood nettle can cause a stinging sensation upon contact. While some people cook and eat the young leaves, always wear gloves when handling this plant. Washing with soap and water immediately after contact can help reduce irritation. This plant is easily identified by its serrated leaves and stiff hairs that cover the stems.
Leadwort
Also known as plumbago, leadwort is popular in southern gardens for ground cover. However, handling it without gloves can cause skin irritation, including redness and blistering. The plant features beautiful gentian flowers and leaves that turn red in the fall, growing up to 10 inches tall.
How to Protect Your Skin From Irritating Plants
- Wear protective clothing covering arms and legs.
- Use safety glasses to prevent sap or plant hairs from contacting your eyes.
- Wash gardening clothes after working around these plants to remove any lingering irritants.
- Consider hiring help for plant removal if you are particularly sensitive to these irritants.