What does poison ivy look like? Here's a guide to help you spot poisonous plants

Summer is in full bloom and so are plants and weeds that can cause you harm.

Outdoor enthusiasts, gardeners and just about everyone else should know about poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac and other poisonous plants that can cause skin irritation or more severe health issues.

Learn how to identify the plants that can cause rashes, blisters and sometimes more serious allergic reactions.

Here are some common poisonous plants you will find in New Jersey and other states, how to identify them, and tips for prevention and treatment.

What happens when you get poison ivy?

Poison ivy can grow as a vine or shrub, with leaves in clusters of three. The leaflets are glossy, pointed, and the middle leaflet has a longer stalk. It often has a red stem and the plant may produce white berries.

Contact with poison ivy can cause an itchy, blistering rash that can spread if the oils are transferred to other parts of the body. According to Scherl Dermatology the rash often does not start until 12 to 72 hours after you come into contact with the oil.

"The rash is not contagious and does not spread. It might seem to spread, but this is a delayed reaction," the dermatology center said. "Most people see the rash go away in a few weeks."

Poison ivy symptoms

Other symptoms are:

• Redness or red streaks.

• Hives.

• Swelling.

• An outbreak of small or large blisters, often forming streaks or lines.

• Crusting skin (after blisters burst).

According to Stephen Hart, Ph.D., and Gerald M. Henry of Rutgers University, all parts of the poison ivy plant release an oil called urushiol. Not everyone is allergic to it, but according to University of Maryland Extension, if at one time you are not sensitive to urushiol when exposed, you may be sensitive to it in the future. According to the CDC’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, around 80 to 90% of adults will demonstrate the rash if exposed—this rash is called contact dermatitis.

What happens when you get poison oak?

Poison oak also grows as a shrub or vine. Its leaves resemble oak leaves and are usually in clusters of three, but can have up to seven leaflets. Its leaves may turn reddish in the fall.

Similar to poison ivy, when in contact it causes an itchy rash with blisters.

What happens when you get poison sumac?

This plant is a tall shrub or small tree found in wetlands. It has pinnate leaves with 7-13 smooth-edged, pointed leaflets arranged in pairs, with a single leaflet at the end. It is advised to avoid wetland areas where poison sumac is prevalent.

This plant also causes a severe rash with blistering, similar to poison ivy and poison oak.

What happens when you touch giant hogweed?

This plant can grow up to 14 feet tall with large, deeply lobed leaves and white umbrella-shaped flower clusters. Its hollow stems have purple blotches and coarse white hairs.

It is advised to avoid the plant entirely. However, if you need to work near it, you must wear protective clothing and goggles as contact with the sap can cause severe skin irritation, blistering, and long-term sensitivity to sunlight.

Can you touch stinging nettle?

This perennial plant has heart-shaped, serrated leaves and tiny, stinging hairs on the stems and leaves. The plant has a square stem and small, greenish flowers.

The tiny hairs in the plant inject irritants that cause a stinging sensation, redness, and swelling.

What is a manchineel tree and can you touch it?

This small tree grows up to 50 feet tall with shiny green leaves, small greenish-yellow flowers, and small, apple-like fruits. Ingesting this fruit can be fatal.

The sap of this plant can cause severe skin irritation and blistering. Experts advise on avoiding this tree altogether, especially in tropical regions.

Do not seek shelter under this tree during rain as water dripping from the leaves can carry the toxic sap.

What happens when you touch wild parsnip?

This plant grows up to 5 feet tall with yellow, flat-topped flower clusters and pinnate leaves with sharply toothed leaflets.

The sap can cause painful, burning rash and blisters when exposed to sunlight causing photodermatitis.

What is cow parsnip and is it poisonous?

This is a large plant with leaves up to 2 feet across, white umbrella-shaped flower clusters, and a tall, ridged stem.

It can cause skin irritation, blistering, and photodermatitis. especially when combined with sunlight exposure.

What happens when you touch poison hemlock?

The Poison Hemlock is a tall biennial plant, growing up to 10 feet, with smooth, hollow stems marked with purple spots. Leaves are finely divided and fern-like.

While it can be way more dangerous if ingested, the sap can also cause irritation.

What is rash-causing primrose and is it poisonous?

This is a small plant with rounded, hairy leaves and clusters of colorful flowers ranging from pink to white or purple.

It can cause "primula dermatitis," leading to itchy, red patches on the skin. To stay safe, it's helpful to wear gloves when handling the plant, especially in gardens or as potted plants.

How to protect yourself against poison ivy and other poison plants

It is important to familiarize yourself with the appearance of common poisonous plants such as poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac, giant hogweed, stinging nettle, manchineel tree, wild parsnip, cow parsnip, poison hemlock, and rash-causing primrose.

If you're working near a poisonous plant, make sure you're wearing protective gear, such as long sleeves, pants and gloves. In areas with plants like giant hogweed that can spray sap, wearing goggles or safety glasses can protect your eyes.

What to do if you touch poison ivy

Wash Immediately: Rinse the affected area with soap and water as soon as possible to remove plant oils.

Change Clothes: Remove and wash clothing that may have come into contact with the plant to avoid spreading the oils.

Topical Treatments: Apply over-the-counter treatments like hydrocortisone cream, calamine lotion, or antihistamines to reduce itching and inflammation.

Cool Compresses: Use cool, wet compresses to alleviate discomfort and reduce swelling.

Seek Medical Attention: For severe reactions, such as widespread blistering or difficulty breathing, seek immediate medical help.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: How to spot and avoid poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac