Virginia Creeper is one of my favorite plants. It doesn't bother me at
all (and, AFAIK, neither does poison ivy) but Virginia Creeper contains
oxalate crystals which might cause contact dermatitis in extremely
sensitive people. It seems to be controversial but there are reports of
deaths (in children especially) who have ingested berries and leaves of
Virginia Creeper. Look and probably touch but don't eat it.
Chuck Norcutt
Jim Nichols wrote:
> Growing up in the Southern USA, I have long known the difference between
> Poison Ivy, which can cause painful rashes on sensitive individuals, and the
> more common Virginia Creeper, a harmless nuisance. However, some of my
> neighbors who have moved here from other areas seem to get the two confused.
>
> Poison Ivy leaves grow in groups of three, and the stem is often red.
>
> Virginia Creeper leaves grow in groups of five. Both can have lengthy vines,
> often growing up tree trunks.
>
> This photo illustrates both species. Poison Ivy is in the center of the
> photo, with Virginia Creeper above it.
>
> http://gallery.leica-users.org/v/OldNick/Poison+Ivy.tif.html
>
> Jim Nichols
> Tullahoma, TN USA
> ==============================================
> List usage info: http://www.zuikoholic.com
> List nannies: olympusadmin@xxxxxxxxxx
> ==============================================
>
>
> No virus found in this incoming message.
> Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com
> Version: 8.0.138 / Virus Database: 270.5.5/1570 - Release Date: 7/24/2008
> 6:59 AM
>
>
>
==============================================
List usage info: http://www.zuikoholic.com
List nannies: olympusadmin@xxxxxxxxxx
==============================================
|