I have this on my property. It can climb very high, but it is easy to control in these parts.
I never had trouble pulling it out with my bare hands until last year. I got some of the sap on me and imediately broke out in a hives on the spots that were touched by the sap.
Sooo... be careful!
* * * * Plants: 679 | From: IN | Registered: Dec 2003
| Seeded: 4.224.54.136
posted
Definitely va creeper. I have it too - and it does grow up in the trees, but I have no problem pulling it by hand if it starts getting outta control.
Rue - do you tend to be allergic to stuff? Or, was it possible that there was PI in the same area? I remember reading that they're usually found together, which is the only reason I'm careful around VA creeper now...but may be I've just been lucky.
* * * * Plants: 1561 | From: z6 S. Illinois | Registered: May 2005
| Seeded: 66.82.9.11
posted
I seem to be 'immune' to these things. Maybe it's 'cause I rarely wear gloves, so my body's used to it.
We have some stuff on the retaining wall - poison oak, I think. Jeff always reacts if he trims the stuff back - I usually do it for him; doesn't seem to bother me.
Touch wood - guess I'll get caught sooner or later and I'll be showing pictures of myself covered with good ole calamine lotion.
* * * * When sorting seeds, do not whistle. Plants: 2784 | From: Toronto, Canada | Registered: Jul 2004
| Seeded: 69.194.112.206
posted
Just remember, the name, CREEPER, cause that's what it does.. and it can escape into your lawn, it'll send out a long runner, and finally take foot, where it doesn't get disturbed.. and it can take down trees/bushes if left to do it's free will over time......
It does have a beautiful red/rusty hue in the fall time...very nice if you have it just growing up a short pole...
* * * * Weezie
Don't forget to be kind to strangers. For some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it. - Bible - Hebrews 13:2
posted
Actually that's a wonderfull way to keep it in check.. I have some wild grape vines that had been growing here, and every 3 to 4 years, I go back and cut them down, they make a good screen for the back neighbors... and don't harm the tree at that low of a level.
And the Virginia Creeper can be in the same way. *although they do find alturnative ways to escape.
* * * * Weezie
Don't forget to be kind to strangers. For some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it. - Bible - Hebrews 13:2
posted
MaryReboakly- I get a few bumps of poison ivy on my hands every year nothing too bad. I am on antihistamines all the time and singular. I have always thought that that helped keep my reaction low.
Sun can make me break out in hives and I am allergic to green growing things with flowers!
Our neighbor has virginia creeper on the side of their house, it is beautiful.
I always start the new gardening year trying to wear gloves, it only lasts a week!! I love digging in the dirt. I once joked with a friend that is makes your nails stronger.
* * * * Plants: 679 | From: IN | Registered: Dec 2003
| Seeded: 4.224.99.3