What color is the root of a poison ivy plant?

Question

my hands itch!

Answer 1

When the aerial roots are alive, they are red -- see the first link below for a fine shot of what they look like!! The second link is the source page for the information. Also, even dead poison ivy roots, which will be whit/grey/brown in color, will still cause a reaction as they still contain plenty of urushiol (the poison that causes the itch), and will cause the same effect.

Bear in mind that many people are also allergic to Virginia Creeper, which looks very similar to poison ivy when in leaf, but has much subtler roots (third link). However, these will cause a similar, sometimes even more severe reaction in people with this allergy, so this may be a possible culprit as well. The fourth link is the source of that shot, and also has another great shot of poison ivy roots on it.

Hope this helps. Good luck!!

Answer 2

Everyone who spends any time in woods or fields should be sure that they are able to spot Poison Ivy, but Poison Ivy can actually be rather difficult to recognize. The plant is vastly different in the Spring and the Fall; in the Spring it can be rather pretty, and has red stems, but by Fall the leaves have become coarse and dull, and its mature stems will be covered with hairy rootlets. This vine has small white clusters of flowers in May, June, and July, and clustered, white, berry-like fruit in August. One thing most people don't know about Poison Ivy is that it is a member of the Cashew family.

Also check out the MU website:
http://extension.missouri.edu/explore/agguides/crops/g04880.htm

Answer 3

Reddish brown. Wash your hands in bleach. Don't touch anything. Clean you keyboard with a cloth with bleach on it. Remember leaves of three let them be.

Answer 4

Red.