What Does Poison Sumac Look Like?

Toxicodendron vernix, better known as poison sumac, is a deceptively reactive plant whose familial line includes poison ivy and poison oak. It tends to favor swampy, wet areas and is most commonly found in the eastern half of North America. Reactions to this volatile foliage typically present as an itchy red rash, fluid-filled or weeping blisters, or, in rare cases, respiratory distress. Poison sumac is one plant that is better left alone, and descriptive knowledge is key to maintaining avoidance.

Size

Poison sumac has an overall appearance of a large woody shrub or a little tree.

Color

Poison sumac sprouts green foliage during the spring and summer seasons. In the fall, varied tones of orange, yellow and purple can be seen.

Leaves

The poison sumac has large, smooth leaves that are joined in groups of two and lie in a slightly alternating pattern along a red stem. There might be anywhere from seven to 13 leaves per stem, and the overall appearance is somewhat fern-like.

Adornments

The poison sumac is adorned with small green or white berries, depending on the season, that sprout between the leave groupings and hang in small clusters. Additionally, during the spring season, the poison sumac produces tiny green, white or yellow blooms.

Oil

Urushiol is the reactive oil produced by the poison sumac. It is at times visible as dark spots on the leaves. Irritation or reaction occurs as a result of direct or indirect contact with any part of the poison sumac tree.

References

• Poison Sumac