How to Identify Poison Oak while Hiking
Poison oak is a common, obnoxious plant, native to the west coast of North America. A poison oak rash can ruin any camping or hiking trip. Learn to identify and avoid this pest.
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Instructions
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Look for a vine or shrub with 3-leaf clusters. Note if the leaves resemble oak leaves, with rounded points and noticeable veining. These features indicate you probably have found poison oak.
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Observe if the growth pattern resembles a vine or small bush. Poison oak often grows no more than waist high and rarely grows more than 6-feet tall.
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Watch for poison oak in grassy, arid terrain. This plant is rarely found in marshy or very rocky conditions. Woods mixed with grassy land is the ideal location for poison oak to thrive.
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Treat any areas of your body that come into contact with poison oak by immediately washing with water. This removes the active oil, known as urushiol, that causes the rash and itching. Treating quickly also prevents the toxic oil from spreading to other parts of your body.
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Tips & Warnings
Remove and store or discard any clothing that brushes up against poison oak to avoid getting the oil on your skin.
