I am fortunate to have never been exposed to poison ivy but I have seen its effects on others. Not a pretty sight. What is the most harmful plant to come into contact with your exposed skin?

star_gazer

Cactus. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cactus Jul 28 09, 11:28 AM

unclerick

Excellent answer Star Gazer. I had not thought of cactus. I was actually thinking about plants that are toxic to the skin such as poison oak, poison ivy, stinging nettle etc. Jul 28 09, 12:05 PM

Baloo55th

Euphorbias can be nasty http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Euphorbia for some people - it's the white milky sap. A vast family ranging from the little spurges in the garden at Chez Baloo through the twisted spiky things (in the greenhouse at Chez Baloo and deserty places that are much hotter) to trees, via those brilliant red things that people buy at Christmas and throw out the next year because they won't do it again. Another with issues is Heracleum mantegazzianum (Giant Hogweed). Phototoxic and very dodgy. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heracleum_mantegazzianum Although I do remember one Formby Show when they had a competition for the kids - the Largest Weed. The lot from the stables I was involved with won hands down. It took four of them to carry it in - twelve foot, it was. And I don't remember them using gloves or any protective gear. Note to anyone thinking of doing the same: DON'T. Read the article linked above before even considering touching one of these things. Triffids could be considered more dangerous because they move around, but Giant Hogweed is extremely dangerous just sitting there. It's beautiful in full flower at a safe distance, but keep that distance. It can possibly outdo poison ivy. Jul 28 09, 1:06 PM

serpa

This one is so mean and nasty you can suffer even if you do not touch it! "Dendrocnide moroides Gympie Urticaceae family (Nettle family) Occurrence: Queensland and East coast of Australia, from Cape York in the north to Victoria in the south. Along tracks, along the banks of creeks, and in rain forests. Description: Tree up to 5 m tall with stinging hairs on leaves, young branches, and fruits. Fruits are edible. Effects: Mechanical-chemical through stinging hairs. This is reported to be the most painful of all stinging trees. The stinging hairs break off when touched and inject a poison into the skin. Immediate burning sensation and itching will follow, including reddening and blistering. The burning can last for weeks. People can suffer even if they don't touch the plant. These trees continuously shed their stinging hairs. Staying close to a stinging tree for more than an hour can cause painful and continuous bouts of sneezing. Measures: Tetanus prophylaxis, corticosteroid ointment, medical attention." http://mic-ro.com/plants/ Jul 28 09, 1:13 PM

unclerick

I checked out your link Serpa, Wow!!!! " If you go out in the woods today. You're sure of a big surprise." Jul 28 09, 1:52 PM