Earlier this year we learned that rising levels of atmospheric CO2 (along with higher temperatures and longer growing seasons) are accelerating the growth of trees, specifically in Maryland and the Eastern United States. So I suppose it should come as no surprise that poison ivy is experiencing a boom around here as well. The Washington Post reports:
"...According to a report in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives last year, the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere has grown by 22 percent since 1960, which may not be so good for humans but is great for poison ivy and other vines. Mohan has been tracking poison ivy since 1998. In a study in the Duke Forest in Durham, N.C., she simulated the carbon dioxide content in the air 50 years ago, today and using projections for the year 2050. "Tree seedlings grew 8 to 12 percent more, with more C02," said Mohan. "Poison ivy grew 149 percent more. Poison ivy is getting bigger, faster and nastier..." "
Read more here. And here are some tips for fighting an ivy rash.
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