In Praise of Poison Ivy: The Secret Virtues, Astonishing History, and Dangerous Lore of the World's Most Hated Plant

New
Hardcover
2016
$20.81

For centuries, poison ivy has bedeviled, inconvenienced, and downright tortured the human race. In Praise of Poison Ivy explores the question of why this plant is apparently on a mission to give us humans grief, from itchy ankles to life-threatening medical emergencies. This book also examines why poison ivy targets humans, but no other species, and explains the mystery of why a privileged few are immune to its itchy consequences.

Synopsis

For centuries, poison ivy has bedeviled, inconvenienced, and downright tortured the human race. In Praise of Poison Ivy explores the question of why this plant is apparently on a mission to give us humans grief, from itchy ankles to life-threatening medical emergencies. This book also examines why poison ivy targets humans, but no other species, and explains the mystery of why a privileged few are immune to its itchy consequences.

$20.81

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More Information

Format: Hardcover
Pages: 208
Publisher: Taylor Trade Publishing
Published: 01 Apr 2016
ISBN 10: 1630761311
ISBN 13: 9781630761318

Media Reviews

An entertaining and fascinating journey through the poison ivy-rich world of botany, ornithology, ecology, medicine, history and horticulture (poison ivy bonsai!), written with elegance, wit and scientific depth. Anita Sanchez reveals the place of this plant in nature, promotes organic control methods over toxic synthetic herbicides (thank you!) and offers suggestions for minimizing the itch. A fascinating book to read after digesting Tao Orion's Beyond the War on Invasive Species - A Permaculture Approach to Ecosystem Restoration. Both Orion and Anita Sanchez acknowledge the important role of commonly disdained plants in disturbed ecosystems and offer suggestions for peaceful coexistence rather than waging war on these plants with toxic synthetic weed killers that further degrade the environment and, possibly, our health. -Jean English, Editor for Maine Organic Farmer and Gardener Magazine -- Jean English '...Once I pushed past my reluctance and opened the book, I was rewarded with a well-researched and absorbing story about one of our most pervasive-and reviled-native plants.' The American Gardener 'The author's wry style adds to the appeal of the book, which is sure to delight those who enjoy reading about botany as well as those drawn to historical anecdotes.' The American Gardener 'Upon completion, the reader will, without a doubt, have gained a fresh perspective on this ubiquitous and under-appreciated plant.' The American Gardener

Author Bio

Anita Sanchez is a professional environmental educator with over twenty-five years of experience at the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. As a science writer, she is fascinated by plants no one loves--like poison ivy. Her website on under-appreciated plants, www.unmowed.com, has a lively and growing readership.