Scientists at the University of Georgia found that poison ivy’s growth and potency has doubled just since the 1960s. They believe it’s because poison ivy is particularly sensitive to CO2 levels.
The more CO2 we dump into the air, the mightier poison ivy becomes. Plus, all our development has created what’s called "edge effects," enabling poison ivy to form vast, lush colonies in the areas formed between undeveloped land and fertile grassy lawns. So why, when I find this potent, poisonous greenery, do I let it flourish?
