Poison Sumac
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Article
| Poison Sumac | ||||||||||||||
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| Toxicodendron vernix | ||||||||||||||
 Poison Sumac leaves
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Contents |
[edit] Introduction
Poison Sumac (Toxicodendron vernix aka Rhus vernix) is a woody shrub of the Cashew family (Anacardiaceae). All parts of the plant contain a toxic resin called urushiol that causes skin and mucous membrane irritation to humans. When burned, inhalation of the smoke causes diarrhea and other internal irritations such as irritation to the lining of the lungs.
[edit] Identification
- Height
The shrub or small tree can grow up to 3 meters tall.
- Leaves
The leaves are pinnate, 25-50 cm long, with 7 - 13 leaflets
- Leaflets
The leaflets are 4-10 cm long and sometimes mistaken for individual leaves. The veins from which the leaflets grow are always red.
- Fruit
The fruit is a small white or grey berry, produced in panicles 10-20 cm long; this distinguishes it from other sumacs which have red berries.
[edit] Origin, Distribution, Habitat, and Life Cycle
- Origin
- Please help the REWILD.info Field Guide by providing this information.
- Distribution
- Poison sumac grows in eastern United States and Canada. In the U.S., it can grow as far west as Idaho, where it is found only in the southern part of the state.
- Habitat
- Poison sumac grows exclusively in very wet or flooded soils, usually in swamps and peat bogs.
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
[edit] Common Names
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[edit] Uses
[edit] Edible Uses
- None known. This plant causes sever contact dermititis. Do not attempt to eat.
[edit] Medicinal Uses
- None known. This plant causes sever contact dermititis. Use caution at all times.
[edit] Practical Uses
- None known. This plant causes sever contact dermititis. Do not attempt to handle.
[edit] Avoidance, treatment, and safety
- For specific information on prevention and treatment of Toxicodendron rashes, see Urushiol.
[edit] Lore
In terms of its potential to cause urushiol-induced contact dermatitis, poison sumac is far more virulent than its relatives poison ivy and poison oak. According to some botanists, poison sumac (Toxicodendron vernix) is the most toxic plant species in the United States.
[edit] Gallery
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[edit] See Also
- Poison Ivy - Poisonous related species
- Poison Oak - Poisonous related species
- Urushiol - Constituent that causes dermatitis
- Sumac - Non-poisonous related species
[edit] External Links
- Entry for "TOVE" on PLANTS Database, United States Department of Agriculture.
- Wisconsin page for poison sumac.
- Poison ivy / oak / sumac in "The Medicinal Herb FAQ".
- The Poison Sumac Page Photos and facts about poison sumac.
- Poison Oak at Wayne's Word
- Toxicodendron Dermatitis: Identification, Immunologic Mechanisms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
- Frankel, Edward, Ph.D. 1991. Poison Ivy, Poison Oak, Poison Sumac and Their Relatives; Pistachios, Mangoes and Cashews. The Boxwood Press. Pacific Grove, CA. (call #QK 495.A498 F73 1991). 98pages.
[edit] Disclaimer
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[edit] Sources
Attribution
References
- none
