Unless you are camping on a sandy beach, you will no doubt come across as sorts of plant-life. Many plants you will encounter are completely harmless, However, there are also many that you will want to avoid. Coming into contact with them could bring your camping trip to an early conclusion.
Some of these include Poison Ivy, Poison Oak, Poison Sumac, and Stinging Nettle. Each of these have physical characteristics that are easy to spot, as long as you know what you are looking for.
In this infographic, you will learn how to identify each of these dangerous plants by their height, color, leaves and geographic location.
[Click image for full size version]
Some plants may look harmless, but coming into contact with them could end a hike or camping trip early.
Be sure to watch out for these itchy plats!
Poison Ivy
- 3 leaves
- Leaves produce oily substance called Urushiol
- Causes allergic contact dermatitis
- Can be found across most of the western, mid-western and eastern United States
Poison Oak
- 3 leaves
- Leaves produce oily substance called Urushiol
- Causes allergic contact dermatitis
- Found along west coast and parts of the southeastern United States
Poison Sumac
- Red stem with oblong, tapered leaves
- Grows as a small tree in most environments
- Leaves produce oily substance called Urushiol
- Causes allergic contact dermatitis
- Rare but found in the northeastern, southeastern, and eastern United States
Stinging Nettle
- Several feet high and covered with tiny hairs (trichomes)
- Found in thick clumps or isolated along paths
- Punctures skin, injects histamine and other chemicals
- Causes itchy and irritated skin
- Found throughout the United States
