What is the best way to check if a plant is poison ivy, oak or sumac?
For Ivy Alert product users, the best way to check if a plant is poison ivy, oak or sumac is to test using Sensing Patches directly on the leaf surface. Use extreme care in working with or near plants suspected to be poison ivy, oak or sumac and wear appropriate protective equipment. One way to check the identity of plant suspected of being poison ivy, oak or sumac is to adhere an activated sensing patch on the end of a disposable stick and rub the face of the patch on the face of the leaves or stems. If possible, with the stick or patch break the surface of the leaves or stems to expose the urushiol-containing sap. Once the patch has been exposed to the sap develop according to the package instructions. Make sure to safely dispose of all articles that may have come in contact with urushiol.
