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internal link to plant, since, after all, it is one
[[Image:pivygre.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Don't touch!]]
[[Image:pivygre.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Don't touch!]]
'''Poison Ivy''' is a woody vine or shrub that has a wide distribution. It may be found coast to coast from southern [[Canada]] to [[Mexico]]. It is also known to occur from the [[West Indies]] and [[China]]. It is a member of the ''Anacardiaceae'', or [[cashew]] family. Most members of this family have a [[tropical]] or sub-tropical distribution. In [[North America]], it is represented by the poison ivy, [[poison oak]], [[poison sumac]] and the ''Florida Poison Tree''.
'''Poison Ivy''' is a [[plant]] (more specifically, a woody vine or shrub) that has a wide distribution. It may be found coast to coast from southern [[Canada]] to [[Mexico]]. It is also known to occur from the [[West Indies]] and [[China]]. It is a member of the ''Anacardiaceae'', or [[cashew]] family. Most members of this family have a [[tropical]] or sub-tropical distribution. In [[North America]], it is represented by the poison ivy, [[poison oak]], [[poison sumac]] and the ''Florida Poison Tree''.
Poison Ivy is dangerous because it contains a chemical that can cause the skin of persons to develop a red, itchy rash and even erupt in [[blister]]s. [[Urushiol]] is the active ingredient in poison ivy that causes the rash and irritation. It is present in all parts of the plant, but particularly in the sap. People vary in their sensitivity to urushiol. Some have no problem with it and others experience severe allergic reactions. This can also vary over the life of a person. You might be unaffected as a child and become sensitized with repeated exposures. So even if you are not allergic now, it is a good idea to learn how to recognize poison ivy in case your body changes as you age.
Poison Ivy is dangerous because it contains a chemical that can cause the skin of persons to develop a red, itchy rash and even erupt in [[blister]]s. [[Urushiol]] is the active ingredient in poison ivy that causes the rash and irritation. It is present in all parts of the plant, but particularly in the sap. People vary in their sensitivity to urushiol. Some have no problem with it and others experience severe allergic reactions. This can also vary over the life of a person. You might be unaffected as a child and become sensitized with repeated exposures. So even if you are not allergic now, it is a good idea to learn how to recognize poison ivy in case your body changes as you age.