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Submitted by: Farion
Date Submitted: 6/6/2003
Location: Atlanta, GA
Question Asked: Judging by the pictures I've seen on your terrific site, I fear this is indeed poison ivy (though I'd be happy to be mistaken!). These pictures were taken in a "wild" area of my yard in Atlanta -- the plant doesn't seem to be a vine that creeps, but rather it sprouts up in smallish clumps. I have many of these poking up through the English ivy, most about 12-18" tall. They've been here for some time (years) and don't seem to get taller or spread much. Is it poison ivy? Thanks in advance!
Answer: As you've already guessed, that sure does look like poison ivy peeking out from the English ivy. Poison ivy is opportunistic and will grow in many different ways. I would guess that since it is competing for sunlight with the dense english ivy that it has chosen to go up. I've seen poison ivy plants 18-24" tall without support. If there is something nearby to climb - it will. The vine will also travel under grasses, around other vines, etc. all to find some bit of sunlight. I don't think these clumps will get much taller. Spreading? hard to say depends on how much competition with the other plants as well as soil and sunlight conditions. I see that you have pine straw mulch down - this is a shady area? That would limit some of the growth as well.
FYI - English ivy itself is considered an invasive pest in many areas of the country. One of the compounds in the ivy is glycoside which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, nervous conditions and dermatitis in sensitive individuals. Here's a US government website with information on English ivy. |
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