When we are in a life changing and society transforming event we have to survive through, becoming infected with poison ivy or any other poisonous plant is something to strive to avoid at all costs. If you have a good grasp of what you’re looking for, you can stand a good chance of never having to worry about such a terrible ordeal at the worst possible timing.
If you come into contact with a dangerous or poisonous plant, chances are you are bugging out or en route to your bug out location. There probably aren’t poisonous plants in your back yard. A good first step would be to map out and strategize your path to get to your location, and also to walk the several different areas you’ve planned to bug out and survey the land and the plants on the land. If there is something that can potentially harm you, you’ll know where it is and take measures to avoid it at all times.
Common Poisonous Plants
The two most likely poisonous plants you are likely to encounter in nature are poison ivy and poison oak. Stopping your education on poisonous plants there would be a mistake though. There are others you need to be able to identify and worry about. Your chances of encountering those dangerous plants is just a bit less likely is all.
All of the poison plants discussed here contain Urushiol oil, which is a potent allergen. Urushiol oil is an oily resin that binds to skin proteins and causes the incessant itchy rash that can be very painful leading to swelling and blisters. If you’re able to wash the area thoroughly with soap and water it definitely minimizes the effects, but if you’re out in the woods this isn’t a likely option for you. This makes your knowledge of first aid and how that pertains to this situation paramount. It should also be mentioned that urushiol oil will remain stuck to your clothing, and it can cause reactions to anyone who comes into contact with it. You want to avoid poisonous plants at all costs.
Characteristics Of Poisonous Plants You’ll Encounter
Poison ivy is found in every state in the continental United States. It is not, however, found in Alaska or Hawaii. Poison ivy is also found throughout Canada, New Zealand and parts of Australia, but not in the U.K. You can identify the plant in nature by noticing its 3 glossy leaflets with smooth or pointed edges. In the spring, the leaves take on a reddish hue. In the summer the leaves are green and in the autumn they take on a stunning reddish yellow orange hue like the changing leaves on the trees. During all seasons regardless of the color of its leaves, poison ivy releases the oil that causes the painful rash. Even in the winter when the plant is dormant it poses considerable risk to you.
Poison oak is primarily found in the eastern 1/3 of the United States, and also on the west coast. It is not common in the rest of the English speaking world. The urushiol oil present in poison oak acts very similarly to poison ivy. The itchy rash it produces turns into water blisters, which are very painful. When one thinks of oak, they typically think of tall towering trees. Poison oak grows into a dense shrub though that will be less than 6 feet tall. It typically ranges from 2 to 4 feet tall. It starts the season in spring as green through the summer, and in the autumn it turns a brilliant crimson red. Like with poison ivy, the plant remains dangerous year round, even in winter when it is dormant.
Poison sumac has smooth leaflets, identical to the non-poisonous sumac leaves. Like both poison ivy and poison oak, the plant remains dangerous year round even when dormant. It can be found everywhere in the eastern United States from the Mississippi River east. It is also common in Canada in Ontario and Quebec provinces. Poison sumac is typically found in swampy or wet areas that can be common for many bug out locations. Unlike poison ivy and poison oak, poison sumac can grow into a small tree. The leaves are a dark green until fall when they turn a vibrant orange/red color.
You have to take all steps necessary to avoid contact with poisonous plants that will make your life miserable in times of survival. Know how to recognize these plants, and have a good feel for your bug out location. Become familiar with any route you take to said bug out location and take note if you notice any of the plants along the way.
