You probably have heard the adage “Leaves of 3, let me be.”
It refers to poisonous 3-leafed plants to avoid.
How true it is this time of year.
The 3 most common types of poisonous plants found in Lexington County are poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac. They produce a resin called “urushoil,” which helps the plant retain water.
The colorless resin exists on the stems and leaves on these plants, causing toxic effects within 24-48 hours of coming into contact with your skin.
Poison ivy grows in moist, shady areas and is a vine-type plant that clings onto trees.
Poison oak commonly grows in shrubs. It has clusters of green-yellow or white berries on the vine-like plant.
Poison sumac is usually found in wet, marshy areas around riverbanks and looks like a small tree or shrub. It can grow as high as 15 feet or more. The stem of the plant has 7-13 smooth oval leaves that are arranged in pairs.
Check out the picture for tips on what to do if you run into one of these plants.
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