Species guide
Poison sumac
Skin irritantToxicodendron vernix
What does Poison sumac look like?
A shrub or small tree of wet, swampy ground, with compound leaves of 7–13 smooth-edged leaflets paired along a reddish stem, and drooping clusters of white-green berries.
Is Poison sumac dangerous?
Carries the same urushiol oil as poison ivy and oak, often more potent — contact causes an itchy, blistering rash, and smoke from burning it is hazardous to breathe.
Commonly confused with
- Harmless sumacs — staghorn/smooth sumac have toothed leaflets and upright red berry cones
What should I do about Poison sumac?
Don't touch it; wash skin and tools promptly if exposed, and never burn it.
Recorded 6,631 times in the wild worldwide.
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