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Poison Sumac
Poison Sumac (Toxicodendron vernix) is found in many areas of the United States, particularly in the wet areas of the southeast as well as the Midwest regions of the country. Poison sumac is closely related to poison ivy and poison oak plants. It usually grows as a shrub or small tree up to 30 feet in height. Poison sumac can generally be found in areas with wet soil conditions like shaded forests or natural areas along stream banks, pond edges, marshes or bogs.
What Does Poison Sumac Look Like?
Poison Sumac is commonly a shrub with compound leaves; the leaf stalk is mostly reddish or grayish in color. This deciduous plant has between 7 and 13 leaflets per stem. The smooth leaves can vary in length between 5 to 15 inches. Poison sumac leaves become orange or scarlet in the fall and produces flowers and fruit in the spring and summer. The flowers are yellowish-green and the fruit is usually white or grey berries.
Poison Sumac and Urushiol Poison sumac plants produce an oily toxicant called urushiol, which is capable of causing severe skin irritations all year round. Severity of reaction to the poison sumac oil can vary greatly from person to person. The transfer of this oil to the skin can occur through contact with the leaves, stems, fruit, roots or flowers of the poison sumac. Direct contact with the poison sumac plant is usually the method of exposure, although an individual can also be exposed by handling clothing, tools, objects or animals that have become contaminated with the oil. Individuals can also be exposed to the urushiol oils through the burning of the poison sumac plants. The burning of the plants emits particles that carry the oil into the air. Coming in contact with the smoke can cause severe cases of poisoning. Persons who suspect they have inhaled this smoke should contact a doctor immediately. Contrary to popular belief, the rash from poison sumac cannot be transmitted from touching the oozing blisters. The rash is transmitted only through the poisonous plant oils themselves.
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How Can I Prevent the rash of Poison Sumac?
What are the Symptoms of Poison Sumac?
How Can I Treat Poison Sumac
