How to Identify Poison Oak

Poison ivy, poison sumac and poison oak have urushiol, a substance that causes a rash in most people exposed to it. You can avoid getting a rash by learning to identify and avoid this common plant.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Purchase a field guide to identify poison oak. The field guide should be reliable and have color photographs. The picture should show the leaves, stems and any berries the plants produce to make identification easier.

2. Wear heavy gloves and clothes when handling poison oak. The rash causing substance, transfers easily from most parts of the plant. Even when the plant is dead, the substance can remain active for several years.

3. Look for leaves of three. Poison oak, like poison ivy, has leaves of three. The difference between poison oak and poison ivy is the outer edge of the leaf. Poison oak leaves look more like regular oak leaves. They have a jagged edge to them whereas poison ivy has smooth edges. Like many of it's relatives, poison oak leaves turn from red to orange to yellow during autumn.

4. Know the preferred habitat of poison oak. Unlike poison sumac, poison oak inhabits deciduous forest areas. It prefers warmer climates and is rarely found in high elevations. Poison oak can grow as a vine or a shrub.

5. Tie string, twine or bright colored ribbons around any suspected poison oak plants until you destroy them. It's better to be safe than sorry. Prevent more problems by teaching your kids and anyone else around the area to avoid the plants that have this colored string.

Tips & Warnings

• Visit a local library for a field guide to borrow if you don't want to purchase one.