Life Lessons from Poison Ivy
I am feeling compelled for my first detailed post to be about Poison Ivy. I really admire Poison Ivy. I realize most people don’t share my admiration for this rather plain but potentially deadly plant, with good reason I suppose. Most people have heard the little ditty ‘leaves of three leave it be’ but other plants have evolved to mimic its three-leaf layout such as black raspberry and box elder. It behooves everyone who likes to spend time outside to be able to recognize her and her shape shifting ways.
Poison Ivy does indeed have three leaves but they can subtly vary in shape. They can be tiny and they can grow large. Some have red stems, others do not. Poison Ivy can grow individually, as shrubs, vines up trees, or vines along the ground, easily blending in with surrounding plants making detection difficult for those not paying attention. The stems have tiny hairs growing on them. The color people associate with danger is red. One would think the berries would be red. They are not; they are instead white, the color people associate with safety. Flowers are also whitish. Some wildlife can eat the berries; humans cannot.
The entire plant is poisonous, from the roots to the berries. All parts are covered in a sticky oil called urushiol that causes severe dermatitis in many people. Even after the plant dries up the urushiol can still make a person’s life miserable. If your dog rolls in Poison Ivy and then jumps on your bare skin, you could break out in a horrible, itchy rash that spreads when itched and can take waaay too long to heal. Now, some people decide the best way to eliminate Poison Ivy from yards is to gather the plant (with gloves) and burn it. Sure, you will destroy the plant but not the urushiol. That will float up in the smoke and if you breathe it, you will get an internal case of Poison Ivy. If the wind blows the smoke carrying the urushiol around your neighborhood, the unlucky souls standing in its path will also get it internally (NOT a good way to make friends in the neighborhood!). This will damage the mucus membranes in the nose, mouth, and throat. It will get in the lungs and damage them. It will get in the blood stream. Remember where the blood flows? ALL through the body! Off you and your neighbors go to the hospital!
When I was a Naturalist for a non-profit nature center giving hikes for school groups I always talked about Poison Ivy no matter what the topic was about. I always asked the group if anyone knew anybody who burned Poison Ivy. One gentleman in the back of the group raised his hand and said his neighbor did. I asked him what happened to her. He stated she had to be buried. Her lungs swelled and she couldn’t be saved. Even I wasn’t expecting that.
So, with all that in mind you may wonder what on Earth do I see in Poison Ivy? What possible good can Poison Ivy do? What valuable life lessons can she teach anyone who wants to learn them, no matter where they live or what they do for a living? My answer? Lots.
First, she teaches us NEVER underestimate anyone or anything based on looks. This plain ole’ plant that can blend in and be unnoticed sure doesn’t look scary or dangerous but as noted above she can pack quite a wallop to the unwary and unsuspecting. Remember, TNT comes in small packages. She is one of the Guardians of Nature. Cross her and you’ll be sorry!
Second, be aware of your surroundings. So many people tromp and stampede through the woods, not paying attention to where they are or what they are stomping on. Not only are they missing out on the beauty of the outdoors, but possibly destroying delicate plants and any nests/animal homes hidden among them. Would you want someone tromping through your home with no regard? Neither do the ones who call the outdoors home. A nasty case of Poison Ivy will hopefully teach you to pay attention to your surroundings. With the way the world is today this is a good idea no matter where you are. Many unsuspecting people are victimized everyday by other people in their home, workplace, parking lots and garages…
Third, walk lightly on your feet; step quietly and slow down. As you become more aware your steps will automatically become lighter and quieter. Your body and mind will quiet and slow down also. You will not be able to be aware of your surroundings while stomping and tromping about! You will not believe all that you were missing as you learn how to do this. Animals will not reveal themselves to you if you are carelessly going through their territory. You will the miss the delicate beauty and scent of the dainty flower you stepped on. So slow down and walk lightly; you won’t be sorry.
Fourth, never say never and don’t be arrogant! Poison Ivy teaches the arrogant who enter her realm a hard lesson indeed. I’ve had many people brag they are able to roll around in Poison Ivy and have NEVER broken out and will NEVER break out I don’t bother to tell them (anymore) many people who never had an outbreak after coming in contact with the plant often have the WORST possible experience eventually! Their arrogance gives them a false sense of security. I think the plant does this on purpose; she seems to have a painful sense of humor with some people. So I just smile and nod, knowing Poison Ivy will one day teach them a painful but valuable lesson.
And fifth, know that the Creator places every plant and animal on this Earth for a reason. Even though we may not understand the whys or how it all fits together, who are we to question and/or destroy that which was put here? Why not take the time to learn the lessons that Nature and Her creatures, both plant and animal, have to teach us? The lessons can sometimes be hard but the knowledge gained is priceless.
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