Being able to identify many plants is the trademark of a serious gardener. But even novices need to be able to identify certain plants, such as poison ivy, poison oak and even phototoxic garden plants such as castor beans and euphorbias, in order to avoid contracting contact dermatitis.

While the phrase "leaves of three, let it be; berries white, danger in sight" may be well known as a way of identifying poison ivy, seeing it up close can help prevent children and houseguests from being caught off guard. Placing a simple herbarium specimen of these plants in a frame under glass allows a closer look at their form and structure while protecting the viewer from the plant oils that can cause an unpleasant reaction.

Poison ivy grows throughout most of America with the exception of Alaska and can grow as a groundcover, shrub or vine, which climbs high into trees making it hard to identify. Its leaves are often confused with raspberries and other berries although berry stems have spines. The three leaflets of poison ivy can vary from smooth-margined to notched, depending on the plant. Its fall color is an unmistakable brilliant red. And while there are a variety of over the counter medications to counteract the oils in poison ivy and these other plants, a little bit of knowledge and an ability to identify the plants before coming into contact with them is undoubtedly the best cure of all.

It is essential to be careful while working with these specimens to avoid coming in contact with their oils while making this project.

Materials:

Disposable gloves
Disposable tablecloth or craft paper to protect your work surface.
An old phone book (to be discarded after pressing cuttings)
Cuttings of poison ivy, or other phototoxic plants to be avoided
Household white glue
Calligraphy pen
Sheet of 100 percent ragg paper, 8" x 10"
8" x 10" glass frame with side clips, available at art supply stores

Directions:

1. Wear long sleeves, long pants, and disposable gloves to take cuttings. Take ones that clearly show the three-leaf construction of the plant. Include both fully-grown and young leaves, as they vary in form.

2. Use an old phone book that can be thrown away after use to press the plants. Place specimens between pages and set closed book in a cool, dry place. Specimens should be dry in about one week.

3. When specimens are sufficiently dry, arrange selected cuttings out on a piece of ragg paper cut to fit your frame. Again, be sure to put on long pants, long sleeves, and disposable gloves before starting. If desired, place some separated leaves on the paper and label beneath with a calligraphy pen the plant name and identifying characteristics (such as "Poison Ivy" and "three leaves let it be").

4. Put tiny dab of glue behind leaves to hold them in place on paper. If preferred, glue can be mixed with water, one part glue to ten parts water, and sprayed on back of plant with spray bottle.

5. Place glass over specimen and secure with clips.

6. Take great care cleaning up work area. Wearing fresh disposable gloves, throw away table covering and pencil. Wash any cutting tools used with soap and water. Carefully remove and dispose of gloves. Wash your hands with cool soapy water. Wear fresh pair of gloves to clean the glass and frame to remove any fingerprints that may have been contaminated. Once again dispose of gloves.

7. Hang pressed poison ivy in a location where it can be easily seen.