Don't touch that plant! 6 vines, shrubs, weeds to avoid this summer in Georgia

But not everything green is good. Some plants are even life-threatening. Here are six to watch out for:

What does poison ivy look like?

Any list like this would have to include poison ivy. It's characterized by shiny green leaves that grow in groups of three and may grow as a vine or as a low shrub, according to the Georgia Poison Center. Most people know it causes an itchy skin rash, but what you may not know is that poison ivy’s oils can stay on clothes for months at a time, according to AFC Urgent Care.

Photo of poison ivy.

How to tell poison ivy and poison oak apart?

Poison oak is similar to poison ivy in that both have leaves grouped in three, and both can give you a rash. But, poison oak has rounded tips, and grows as a low shrub, which may have clusters of green or white berries. Poison oak rashes are identical to poison ivy rashes in that they have the same oil, which is by the way caused urushiol oil, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

Photo of poison oak posted on Verywellfit.com.

What is poison sumac?

Poison ivy and oak are fairly popular, but one that gets less mentioned is poison sumac. It also has urushiol oil causing rashes on contact. Poison sumac has 7-13 leaves found in pairs with a single leaf at the end. These long, smooth leaves are bright orange and velvet, and they become dark green and glossy on top and light green underneath. Sumac grows as a tree in swampy areas.

How to treat poison ivy rashes

Whether it's poison ivy, oak, or sumac, the prevention tips and treatment options are basically the same because they all share the same oil. If you think you've come into contact with any of that, wash your clothes, any parts of your body that come into contact, and anything else that may have come into contact (including tools and pets) immediately.

If you get a rash or blisters, don't scratch them. Try creams including calamine lotion (a good one is Ivarest) and hydrocortisone, and try some antihistamines like Benadryl. Cold compresses and cool showers may also provide relief. If it gets severe, a healthcare provider may prescribe another treatment with oral steroids.

Is poison ivy contagious?

You can’t get a poison ivy, oak, or sumac rash by touching another person’s rash, and the fluid from any blisters doesn't contain urushiol oil and are therefore also not contagious. But, someone else be susceptible if they touch someone or something that still has the oil, hence the importance of cleaning everyone and everything that may have come into contact.

One more important thing regarding poison ivy, oak, and sumac: Do not try to burn them. The oil will be released into the air and, if you breathe it in, could lead to a rash on your face, inside your mouth and throat, and could even impact your lungs.

FILE - Elephant ears are photographed at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden on Monday, Sept. 23, 2024. Elephant ears are a poisonous plant found in Georgia.

Are elephant ear plants poisonous?

Elephant ears are indoor or outdoor plants with very large, arrow-shaped or heart-shaped green leaves. While they may add a fun, tropical look to your home, it might be a good idea to safely get rid of them. MedlinePlus says they are poisonous due to the presence of oxalic acid and, if eaten, could cause burning of the mouth, eyes, and throat, diarrhea, and vomiting. Some reports say it may also be poisonous to touch.

What is the difference between poison hemlock and water hemlock?

Poison and water hemlock are visually pretty similar in that they are both weeds that grow tall (more than 6 feet) and have white flowers which grow in similar dome-like clusters. However, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture explains that the leaves of water hemlock are not as fern-like as poison hemlock’s leaves and the stems of water hemlock are not spotted with purple.

Despite what the different names may suggest, both plants are very poisonous, but for different reasons. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Says not to even touch either of these hemlocks. The USDA says water hemlock has cicutoxin, particularly in the tubers but also in the leaves and stems during early growth. It could cause pupil dilation, tremors, rapid breathing, and in large doses could even lead to seizures, coma, and death.

Poison hemlock has several toxic compounds called alkaloids, according to the Cleveland Clinic. The symptoms are similar to those of water hemlock in that eating some can cause things like tremors and rapid heartbeat while large doses could be fatal.

What to do if you find a poisonous plant

If you're out in the wild and you see one of these plants, avoid it. If you discover you have one of them at your home, you may want to consider digging them out and/or applying herbicide. In the case of poison ivy, UGA Extension says it won't tolerate repeated tillage, cutting, and mowing.

While skin contact with poisonous plants may be easily treatable, ingesting any poisonous plant can present a medical emergency. If this happens, call Georgia Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222 which is available free 24/7 to provide you guidance.

Miguel Legoas is a Deep South Connect Team Reporter for Gannett/USA Today. Find him on Instagram @miguelegoas and email at [email protected].