I think I'm going to have to disagree, or at least say that I wouldn't be certain. The pattern of venation on the leaves and the topography of the upper leaf surface suggests otherwise to me, but the photograph is grainy and it may be an artifact of that.
Are the dark specks on the vine stem thorns? If so, could it be a Rubus (berry) member of the Rosaceae (Rose family)?
Yes, they're thorns- does this mean it's not poison ivy? I have a moderate case, and was hiking in Wyoming, then came home and brushed against this plant in my own backyard, then started itching that night- it would have been about a week after returning from the west. I want to know where I got it, and whether I should throw out my hiking boots! Thanks for your opinion!
Hi, Don't think it's poison ivy as I know of no poison ivy with thorns. If it is a member of the rose family, then the bloom should be white to red (various shades of pink) with many stamens present, usually 5 petals. I wouldn't think it would cause an alergic reaction. The cause could be from residual oils on your clothes or shoes. I would start by washing everything from your Wyoming trip with a strong detergent. Fels Naptha soap seems to work well. Before discarding, I would try scrubbing your boots first, with a strong detergent, then reapply something like mink oil (smelly but will also make them waterproof), if leather. You might try saddle soap on leather boots. Don't forget to wash the laces. Use rubber gloves to keep from further contact with the poison ivy oils. The other thing I would do, especially if you are sensitive to poison ivy, is to learn to recognize it so you can avoid it. See the following pages for pictures and description: http://www.naturenorth.com/summer/pivy/pivy2.html (look at summer and fall picture links) http://res2.agr.gc.ca/ecorc/poison/radicans_e.htm And the following page for first aid. http://www.healthy.net/scr/article.asp?ID=1320 Look at this google image search for Jewelweed a native impatiens. The indians used the sap from it as means of reducing the itchiness of a poison ivy rash, insect bites (mosquitoes especially), etc. I usually find it growing in wet ground, ie around springs or by river marsh land, etc. Harry
