Watch out for these 9 poisonous plants this summer in Louisiana to avoid allergic reactions
During the summer, many people may spend time working outdoors, embarking on hikes or otherwise spending time in nature.
If you're someone who finds themselves spending ample time surrounded by foliage, it may be a good idea to know what types of plants can cause allergic reactions upon contact.
There are numerous species of plants in the U.S. that can be found in Louisiana that are poisonous, or contain substances that produce allergic reactions of the skin.
Many plants that are commonly found in Louisiana can cause allergic reactions of the skin or are harmful to ingest and, in order to avoid these plants, it's important to know what to look out for.
Poison hemlock is an invasive plant in North America that is native to Europe, Africa and Asia. Poison hemlock can be found in Louisiana, and all parts of this plant are highly poisonous to people and animals, as ingesting even small amounts of this plant may result in death. The plant typically measures three to eight feet tall and has stems that are hairless and hollow with ridges and purple spots, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Spotted water hemlock is a widespread, native plant to North America that can be found in Louisiana, and it's often called the most deadly plant in North America. All parts of this plant are highly toxic to humans and animals, and ingestion may cause abdominal pain, convulsions, delirium, nausea, seizures and vomiting, often resulting in death. The plant usually measures three to six feet tall and has stems that are smooth and hollow, with stems varying in color and pattern, from solid green or purple to green with purple spots or stripes, says the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Poison oak is distinguished by leaves that have three leaflets, like poison ivy, with rounded tips, and the undersides of the leaves are fuzzy and lighter in color than the top. Poison oak contains an oil called urushiol, which causes an allergic reaction in most people when it comes into contact with skin. Poison oak rashes are characterized by redness, itching, swelling and sometimes blisters, according to Cleveland Clinic.
Poison ivy is a common poisonous plant that also contains urushiol, which causes an irritating, itchy allergic reaction when you touch the plant or an object that's been in contact with the plant's urushiol oil. Poison Ivy is characterized by each leaf containing three leaflets, and there is a popular saying that goes, "leaves of three, let them be," says Cleveland Clinic.
Wild parsnip is an invasive plant that's native to Asia and Europe, but it can be found in Louisiana. This plant usually measures two to five feet tall and has stems that are hairless and grooves. Coming into contact with wild parsnip may cause skin irritation, blistering rashes and skin discoloration, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Queen Anne's lace is an invasive plant native to Asia and Europe that can be found in Louisiana. While some may not experience any negative reactions, those with sensitive skin that come into contact with Queen Anne's lace may experience skin irritation. This plant usually measures one to two feet tall and sometimes has a small reddish flower in the center, and its stems are fuzzy with small grooves, says the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Poison sumac thrives in wet, swampy regions in the Northeast, Midwest and parts of the Southeast U.S. Leaves of a poison sumac plant have clusters of seven to 13 smooth leaflets arranged in pairs, and a full-grown poison sumac tree can reach up to 20 feet tall. This plant also contains urushiol oil, which causes severe skin inflammation and dermatitis, according to LSU AgCenter.
Leadwort is a shrub that thrives in the climate of the Southeastern U.S. and it can be found in Louisiana. This plant has shiny green leaves and blue flowers that bloom from spring until fall, and turn a deep shade of red over the winter. Coming into contact with this plant can cause blisters to develop, says Healthline.
Stinging nettle is found throughout the U.S., including in Louisiana, and often grows in dense patches near streams, in ditches, along hiking trails, and on farmland. This plant has singular stems with green or purple branches that grow up to eight feet, with dark green leaves that have a pointed tip and are two to four inches long. The plant's branches and leaves can have stinging hairs, that feel like a sharp sting and produce a burning or itching sensation and hives that can last for up to 24 hours, according to Healthline.
Presley Bo Tyler is a reporter for the Louisiana Deep South Connect Team for Gannett/USA Today. Find her on X @PresleyTyler02 and email at PTyler@Gannett.com
This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: What poisonous plants are found in Louisiana? Avoid these 9 this summer
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