Exploring the outdoors is a wonderful way to connect with nature, but it’s important to be aware of plants that can cause discomfort or harm. Knowing how to identify these plants can prevent unpleasant encounters. This guide highlights the top five plants to watch out for, including the infamous Poison Ivy. Join radio hosts Rebecca Wanner aka ‘BEC’ and Jeff ‘Tigger’ Erhardt with The Bend Radio Show & Podcast, your news outlet for the latest in Outdoors & Western Lifestyle News!

WEBSITE The BEND SHOW S4 E187 plants that cause discomfort itch outdoors. Rebecca Wanner BEC. Jeff Tigger Erhardt

Episode 187 Details

Top 5 Plants That Cause Discomfort in Your Yard or Nature

1. Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron radicans)

Identification

Leaves: Typically, clusters of three leaflets.
Color: Green in the summer, turning red, orange, or yellow in the fall.
Growth Habit: Can grow as a vine, shrub, or ground cover.

Symptoms of Contact

Skin Reaction: Red, itchy rash, often with blisters.
Spread: Can spread if the oil (urushiol) is not washed off.

Prevention Tips

Clothing: Wear long sleeves and pants when in areas where Poison Ivy may grow.

Washing: Wash skin immediately if you think you’ve touched Poison Ivy.

Poison Ivy The BEND SHOW S4 E187 Toxicodendron radicans. Rebecca Wanner BEC

2. Poison Oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum)

Identification

Leaves: Similar to oak leaves, typically three leaflets per cluster.
Color: Green in the spring and summer, red or brown in the fall.
Growth Habit: Can grow as a shrub or vine.

Symptoms of Contact

Skin Reaction: Itchy, red rash, similar to Poison Ivy.
Spread: Rash can spread via the urushiol oil.

Prevention Tips

Avoidance: Learn to identify and avoid this plant in the wild.

Poison Oak The BEND SHOW S4 E187 Toxicodendron radicans. Rebecca Wanner BEC

3. Poison Sumac (Toxicodendron vernix)

Identification

Leaves: Pinnate with 7-13 leaflets per stem.
Color: Bright green leaves, white or grey berries.
Growth Habit: Small tree or large shrub, often found in wet, swampy areas.

Symptoms of Contact

Skin Reaction: Severe itching, redness, and blistering.
Spread: Urushiol oil can cause a rash if it comes into contact with the skin.

Prevention Tips

Location Awareness: Avoid swampy areas where Poison Sumac is common.
Protective Gear: Wear gloves and long clothing when working near potential Poison Sumac areas.

Poison Sumac The BEND SHOW S4 E187 Toxicodendron vernix. Rebecca Wanner BEC

4. Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica)

Identification

Leaves: Serrated, heart-shaped leaves with fine hairs.
Color: Green stems and leaves.
Growth Habit: Herbaceous plant, commonly found in moist, fertile soil.

Symptoms of Contact

Skin Reaction: Immediate stinging sensation, followed by redness and itching.
Duration: Symptoms can last from a few minutes to several hours.

Prevention Tips

Awareness: Know how to identify stinging nettle and avoid touching it.
Clothing: Wear gloves and long sleeves when walking through areas where nettles are common.

Stinging Nettle The BEND SHOW S4 E187 Urtica dioica. Rebecca Wanner BEC

5. Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum)

Identification

Leaves: Large, deeply lobed leaves.
Color: White umbrella-shaped flowers.
Growth Habit: Can grow up to 14 feet tall.

Symptoms of Contact

Skin Reaction: Severe skin burns and blisters when exposed to sunlight.

Eyes: Can cause blindness if sap gets into the eyes.

Prevention Tips

Avoidance: Avoid touching or handling the plant.
Protective Gear: Wear long sleeves, pants, and eye protection when in areas where Giant Hogweed is present.

Giant Hogweed The BEND SHOW S4 E187 Heracleum mantegazzianum. Rebecca Wanner BEC

Conclusion: Beware of these 5 plants in the outdoors!

Identifying these five plants—Poison Ivy, Poison Oak, Poison Sumac, Stinging Nettle, and Giant Hogweed—is crucial for avoiding discomfort and potential health issues during your outdoor adventures. By recognizing these plants and taking preventative measures, you can enjoy nature safely and comfortably. If you believe to have encountered any of these plants, immediately seek medical attention from your primary physician or other medical expertise.

TRAVEL TRENDS

This is what is Bleisure Travel.

Bleisure travel, a fusion of ‘business’ and ‘leisure,’ is a growing trend that combines work trips with personal relaxation. This emerging practice allows travelers to maximize their time away by blending business commitments with leisure activities. From exploring local attractions to indulging in cultural experiences, bleisure travel offers a perfect balance between work and play. Discover how you can enhance your next business trip with unforgettable bleisure experiences.

This is what is Authentic Travel (or Local Immersion).

Authentic travel embodies genuine experiences, connecting travelers with the essence of a destination. It goes beyond tourist hotspots to explore local culture, traditions, and lifestyles. Embracing authenticity, travelers seek meaningful interactions and immersive experiences that unveil the true soul of a place. From savoring local cuisine to engaging with communities, authentic travel fosters deeper connections and lasting memories. Unlock the secrets of genuine exploration and elevate your travel experiences with our guide to authentic travel.

Example – Ditch the tour bus and immerse yourself more into how locals live.

REFERENCES

https://www.cmich.edu/blog/all-things-higher-ed/20-amazing-facts-you-didnt-know-about-tornadoes-and-hurricanes?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR3qdziC3jjA9YsAcGHKExXfKWnVXR2VNeZPfHAoOJLOrqe7EylUL6jvVjM_aem_AWaUvlideWPViccAjXDHN3BpCqLElCh6ukUT-ouUsG0BXDmn8d03XZ0USupronqRCXhRby4jEcevxDpZKTFH9-qp

FIELD REPORTS & COMMENTS

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The Outdoors, Rural America, And Wildlife Conservation are Center-Stage.

AND how is that? Because Tigger & BEC… Live This Lifestyle.

Learn more about Jeff ‘Tigger’ Erhardt & Rebecca Wanner aka BEC here: TiggerandBEC.com

https://tiggerandbec.com/

WESTERN LIFESTYLE & THE OUTDOORS

Jeff ‘Tigger’ Erhardt & Rebecca ‘BEC’ Wanner are News Broadcasters that represent the Working Ranch world, Rodeo, and the Western Way of Life as well as advocate for the Outdoors and Wildlife Conservation.

Outdoorsmen themselves, this duo strives to provide the hunter, adventurer, cowboy, cowgirl, rancher and/or successful farmer, and anyone interested in agriculture with the knowledge, education, and tools needed to bring high-quality beef and the wild game harvested to your table for dinner. They understand the importance in sharing meals with family, cooking the fruits of our labor and fish from our adventures, and learning to understand the importance of making memories in the outdoors. Appreciate God’s Country.

United together, this duo offers a glimpse into and speaks about what life truly is like at the end of dirt roads and off the beaten path.

Tigger & BEC look forward to hearing from you, answering your questions and sharing in the journey of making your life a success story. Adventure Awaits Around The Bend.

The Bend is a Nationally Syndicated Radio Show