Scientific Name
Toxicodendron vernix
Common Name
Poison sumac

SKIN IRRITATION SEVERE!

Characteristics

Family
Anacardiaceae
Plant Description
Shrub; leaves alternate, pinnately divided with 7-13 leaflets, the leaf stalk reddish; flowers small in axillary clusters; fruit a smooth, yellow drupe.
Origin
USA, NC
Distribution
Mountains, Peidmont, Coastal Plain.
Where Found
Forest or natural area along stream banks, bogs, pocosins, edge of ponds.
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, Alice B. Russell Department of Horticultural Science; Dr. James W. Hardin, Department of Botany; Dr. Larry Grand, Department of Plant Pathology, and Dr. Angela Fraser, Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, North Carolina State University. Designed by Miguel A. Buendia.

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 your physician or local poison control center. All Pictures Copyright @1997Alice B. Russell.

Previous Species, Home, Next Species