That Old, Dead Pine

   Along the path that meanders down where the Bayou meets the creek, there stands a dead tree.  At one time, this was a stately pine but now it is just a remnant of what it once was.  Back in 2014, we had some pretty terrible lightning storms.  Several of the pine trees were struck by bolts of lightning which ultimately killed them.  Since most of these were growing right in the marsh, we left the trees stand.   The trees were of no value to us and would become of great value to the wildlife of the area.  As the trees decayed, many insects started gnawing on the inner portions which caused woodpeckers to pound away at the trees.  The cavities soon became homes to, not only the woodpeckers, but dozens of other critters.   Flying squirrels, nuthatches, snakes, lizards and even raccoons nested there.  A dead tree can provide even though it has ceased its own life on this earth.

  Today as I hiked along the path, the tree struck me as some sort of eerie monument.  Its gnarled limbs were silhouetted against the pale lit morning sky.  The tree was dark and ominous.  As I stood there staring at the tree, a tiny flying squirrel darted into one of the holes.  Ahh, yes.  Life continues even through death.  The totem holds life in its arms and gives protection.  Pretty neat thing.

Poison Ivy, Mango and Pistachio...Oh, My!

  Down near the marsh edge, we let the tall pine trees grow.  I do not like them next to the Little Bayou House since any storm blowing through the area can snap the trees off and plummet them through the rooftop.  Hurricane Katrina did that.  In the midst of the storm, I heard a loud crash and found that we had a delightful "pole" in the middle of our living room.  Thankfully, no one was injured but it could have been devastating.  Since then, every pine tree near the house has been removed...except one and I have been after Mark to cut that one for years.  Better to be safe than sorry.

  The trees near the marsh are far enough away that they will do no damage if they fall or get struck by lightning (which the trees are prone to do.)   The pines do not seem to mind the brackish water around their roots so all is well..by them and me.  There is a third reason that I am glad the pines are not too near the house.  They seem to be a poison ivy magnet!  Each tree is literally covered with the vines!  Since the trees actually stand in the marsh, I refuse to go "de-ivy" them.  (Again, better safe than sorry!  I do not want to step on a cottonmouth while trimming a vine.)  

  Eastern Poison Ivy can take over just about anything that is handy to climb.  It does this by little, hairy root like structures that actually penetrate its host (even if that host is a brick wall).  The base of the vine can get up to around six inches in diameter and the vine itself can grow to a length of a hundred feet or better.  It will branch out and twist around the host until it is entirely covered.  Most people would be in misery if they tangled with such a vine as they are (as the name states) poisonous.  A mere touch can lead to a horrendous rash!   The itching seemingly is all consuming and never ends.  

  Humans are prone to having a reaction to the urushiol or oils found in all parts of the poison ivy vine...leaves, roots and stems.  The oils remain even after the plant is dead and contact can still lead to misery!  I was pondering today how squirrels can worm their way through the thick mass of vines and not be affected by the toxins.  After watching several squirrels racing up the ivy covered pine trees, I had to find out the answer.  It seems that only humans and a few other primates have problems with the toxins.  Critters can actually eat the berries, stems and leaves without problems.

  Now...a little known fact to most of us.  Poison ivy is not the only plant to produce the rash creating urushiol.  Of course, most of us know that poison oak and poison sumac do BUT did you know that mango, cashews and pistachios all belong to the same family as poison ivy? Both mango trees and cashew trees can cause a irritating rash to those exposed. Pistachios seem to be less potent but still can cause rashes in some people. So folks even get a rash by eating the peels of a mango!  So...be careful folks!  You best leave the wallowing about in the leaves containing urushiol to the critters.  I think the pine can keep its poison ivy vine to itself.  I had good intentions of chopping it out this winter but...nah, I'm good.

The "Killer Tree"

  Down along the marsh edge right next to where the Bayou makes a big bend, the trees grow thick and tall.  We cannot get in there to clear any of this area due to the many cottonmouths that lurk in the marsh.  I suppose we could do this in the winter when the snakes go in hiding but then, well, it is cold and I do not particularly like getting wet and muddy and shiver myself to pieces.  So, the whole area is left sort of wild and woolly.

  It is in this spot where the "Killer Tree" grows.  This tree is definitely "poison" and bad news for anyone that gets near.  Actually, I dubbed the tree by this name and by no fault of the poor tree.  You see, it is actually a pine tree.  It is a nice size pine that, by itself, has never done anyone one bit of harm.  It is just playing host to something that could potentially make one think the tree is out to get them.  From the bottom to the top, the entire tree is covered with a huge...HUGE...poison ivy vine.  So far, I have not had a reaction to the ivy (other than one time when we accidentally burned a vine) but, for those highly allergic, the vine covered tree could mean a heapin' amount of trouble. 

  In reality. this is the second such "Killer Tree" that was found on the hillside.  The first was nearer the shed and did present a problem for anyone that used my hiking trail.  I often pondered how to rid the tree of its wicked clinger but that problem was conveniently solved by Mother Nature, herself!  During one strong thunderstorm, a huge bolt of lightning struck and killed the pine tree and, consequently, killed the ivy vine.  Fried!  While this was not my first choice of a solution, it did work rather well.  Mother Nature for the win!  

  The Killer Tree and its clingy vine will just have to live as it is since I am not inclined to do much about it.  I do warn others not to get too close to the tree for both reasons...the ivy and the cottonmouths but, other than that, I ignore the problem.  Thankfully, it is far down in the marsh edge and out of the way.