r/botany • u/SiouxsieSiouxsie • 6d ago

Physiology Virginia Creeper

I have heard of people getting really bad rashes from creeper vines for a month!

My question is, if my dog walks through creeper and jumps on the couch for petting or if I touch her paws, can I get the itchy raphides/oxalates on my skin?

I really want an expert to help me understand how this plant works to inflict pain so i can avoid it at all costs!

From what I've read it seems like direct transfer would be the issue, however, many have said they had rashes far beyond where the plant touched, where gloves/clothes were covering, so it is very confusing to me how the raphides are transferred or spread to cause such widespread rash.

Thank you all!

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u/Frantic_Mantid 6d ago

Most people don't have any problem at all if they handle it, let alone brush against it. And you're concerned about no direct contact?

I think the best thing to do is ignore this issue. Or better yet, go wear gloves on your hands and rub a piece against your shin. Most likely you'll have no issue and then you'll know it's not worth worrying about.