It Climbs, It Creeps, It Grows - Where? Who Really Knows?

Here is a little quiz for you to see just how smart you are about the forest vegetation. Having come from over 30 years living in the Arizona desert, I flunked with flying colors. You get one try. From the pictures below, which of these beautiful plants would you suggest setting up a picnic lunch next to?:



I had no idea and decided that spot number two next to a beautiful open field with wild flowers would be a great spot for the family to enjoy nature and the cool breeze. And we did...for a while; until everyone started itching, burning and getting welts on all exposed parts of their body. You guessed it - poison ivy. Well, it really was a trick question because all of these pictures are of poison ivy. It climbs up trees, creeps along just about any trail or roadside, and it comes in the lovely bush variety as well. These plants have a personal vendetta against all humans. The good news is someone happened along that explained that there is a companion plant that grows right next to it called jewelweed that when rubbed on the skin, stops the welts and burning sensation from getting any worse.
Hope you passed this test and if not, hope you learned from this valuable lesson as I certainly have :) Now everyone sing with me! Poison Iveeeeey, Poison Iveeeeey.