Poison Oak
(Scientific Name:
Toxicodendron diversiloba)
[Common Name(s): Poison oak]
Description:
Poison oak is a very common 3-leaved plant which is extremely
variable. It may be a low-growing shrub or a high-climbing vine
clinging to trees by means of aerial rootlets on the stems. Slender
panicles of small, yellowish-green flowers appear in the spring and
are followed by small white berries which remain on the plant after
its beautiful red autumn leaves have fallen.
Habitat:
Widely distributed and common in dry woods and open rocky areas.
POISONOUS: (oil in leaves, stems, roots) Oil
in the leaves, stems and roots causes a dermatitis [rash] of very
small, watery, itchy blisters which spread. Washing immediately
after contact with strong soap and water may prevent much
discomfort. Poison ivy is similar in appearance except that the
leaves are not lobed. Both produce the same effect. The best
remedy is to learn to identify these plants.
