Scientific Name
Toxicodendron pubescens
Common Name
Poison oak

SKIN IRRITATION SEVERE!

Characteristics

Family
Anacardiaceae
Plant Description
Erect shrub, not climbing; leaves alternate, with 3 leaflets, each shallowly lobed; flowers small in axillary clusters; fruit a hairy, yellow drupe.
Origin
USA, NC
Distribution
Coastal plain and Piedmont.
Where Found
Forest or natural area in woods, thickets, dry areas; weedy in disturbed areas in dry, sandy fields.
Mode
Dermatitis
Poisonous Part
All parts, in all seasons if plant sap contacted.
Symptoms
Severe skin redness, itching, swelling, and blisters following direct or indirect contact.
Toxic Principle
Urushiol.
Severity
SKIN IRRITATION SEVERE!

"Poisonous Plants of North Carolina," Dr. Alice B. Russell, Department of Horticultural Science; Dr. James W. Hardin, Botany; Dr. Larry Grand, Plant Pathology; and Dr. Angela Fraser, Family and Consumer Sciences; North Carolina State University. All Pictures Copyright @1997Alice B. Russell, James W. Hardin, Larry Grand. Computer programming, Miguel A. Buendia; graphics, Brad Capel.

Disclaimer: The list of poisonous plants on this web site does not necessarily include every poisonous plant that is known, or that might be found in an urban landscape or home. North Carolina State University does not advise eating any of the plants included in this web site. The information concerning edibility is taken from the literature, and the degree of reliability is unknown. We discourage the use of any of these plants for self medication. In cases of accidental exposure or ingestion, contact the Poison Control Center 1-800-222-1222.

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