Leaves of three, let it be. That’s the common expression to avoid run-ins with poison ivy and poison oak — common toxic-to-the-touch plants found in North Carolina’s Triangle area and beyond. Virginia ...

Virginia creeper is a nontoxic native Virginia vine that is often mistaken for poison ivy. Poison ivy has three leaves and no briars.

I once thought I was among the 20% of humans who experience no ill effects from poison ivy. But a visit to southern Illinois years ago proved me wrong. Itchy skin with blisters plagued me for weeks.

Question: While hiking in the woods, I got a rash on my bare legs. What wild plants in the Brainerd lakes area cause rashes? Answer: Plants such as nettles and wild parsnip can cause a rash, but it’s ...