How poison ivy leaves can be enjoyable in the fall ... as long as you don't touch.
Some people are not allergic to poison ivy. Some people are.
I'm a person who spends a lot of time outdoors and, as luck would have it, I am very allergic to poison ivy.
Who said that life is fair?
With that said, you would be forgiven if you jumped to the conclusion that I harbor a passionate hatred for this native plant.
I have to admit I actively seek out this specimen of wild flora at this particular time of the year. It is summer's end and poison ivy is preparing for its long winter sleep. The plant's green foliage turns a brilliant shade of crimson. Here in central Oklahoma, it seems the vast majority of Ma Nature's autumn color palette is various hues of yellow. Poison ivy foliage is the exception to the rule.
I would encourage you to be extra vigilant when you go out in search of autumn foliage colors. Be on the look out for the blood-red leaves of poison ivy.
Just remember: Look ... but do not touch!
Neil Garrison was the longtime naturalist at a central Oklahoma nature center. His email is atlatlgarrison@hotmail.com.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Nature & You: Poison ivy leaves take on crimson hues in the fall
