If anyone can tell me what type of bush/tree/plant this is? They're almost itchy when I touched them. Found several Catalpa Moth caterpillars eating on them. Located along the Missouri River in NE Kansas.
Looks like Ulmus americana. Common name American elm. See..... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Elm
Definately agree...do u know if this type of leaf causes allergic reactions? Everytime I've come in contact (knowingly) with this leaf I've had massive red break outs........however? I'm also handling in other trees also. Not allergic to poison ivy.....
I've run across many trees or plants connected with trees when over long contact can cause irritation: Locust trees / Hedge trees (thorn toxin / highly bacterial), sycamore, mold / lichen growing on the tree, and even noticed very unique allergies to the tree bark or sawdust of pine and cedar. If you can't notice any patterns to common plants, and it is severe, I would just do a general allergen test to tree and plant pollens. When my son had this, there were about 30 some-odd they tested.
thanx for the comments there.........i'm almost afraid to DO a test? as i feel like i seem to be allergic to just about anything that breaths/grows/walks on 4 legs or even 2 (i was allergic to my x hubby!)....... so far this has really been the only tree who's leaves i KNOW make me break out? i'll go back and do a test on others to see though...thanx for the idea!
C.Wick - So Sorry!!! I forgot to clarify - we did this at an allergist - an internist specializing in allergies, and it was a "prick" test in which minor amounts are put just into your skin. You recover from the reactions (even the severe ones) by the end of the day or so.
ahhh ok. sounds a lot more comfortable rather then dragging myself thru leaves. :o) if only? there was a quick cure for x husband allergies!
An aquaintance, has developed an allergy to all green leaves that she touches, except, for ones with shiny waxy coating, such as holly . As an expert flower arranger and keen grower of flowers, this has been particularly hard for her. She now has to wear gloves at all times when handling greenery. She blames the start of her problems on Septin, a drug prescribed for her several years ago. Do hope your allergy gets no worse.
