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Poison sumac

Contributed by: Perry D. Strausbaugh, Earl L. Core

Publication year: 2014

The plant Toxicodendron vernix (previously in the genus Rhus ), which is a member of the sumac family (Anacardiaceae). Poison sumac (see illustration ) is an inhabitant of swamps ranging from Quebec to

Minnesota, and southward to Florida, Louisiana, and Texas. It is a tall bush or small tree that bears pinnately compound leaves with 7–13 entire (without marginal teeth) leaflets, and drooping, axillary clusters of persisting white fruits that produce an irritating oil. Like poison ivy, the poison sumac plant is poisonous to touch, causing a severe inflammation of the skin, or dermatitis, in many persons. The presence of white fruit separates this species from the nonpoisonous sumacs, which have red fruits. See also: ALLERGY ; DERMATITIS ; POISON IVY ; POISONOUS PLANTS ;

SAPINDALES .

UnlabelledPoison sumac image ( Toxicodendron vernix ). ( Photo by Keith Kanoti, Maine Forest Service )

Perry D. Strausbaugh, Earl L. Core

Keywords dermatitis; poison sumac; sumac; Toxicodendron vernix

Bibliography

S. J. Baker, The Poison Oak and Poison Ivy Survival Guide , Coleman Creek Press, Medford, OR, 2011

D. J. Boelman, Emergency: Treating poison ivy, oak, and sumac, Am. J. Nurs. , 110:49–52, 2010

DOI: http://doi.org/ 10.1097/01.NAJ.0000377690.87350.36 AccessScience from McGraw-Hill Education Page 2 of 2 www.accessscience.com

A. C. Gladman, Toxicodendron dermatitis : Poison ivy, oak, and sumac, Wilderness Environ. Med. , 17:120–128,

2006 DOI: http://doi.org/ 10.1580/PR31-05.1

S. C. Hauser, A Field Guide to Poison Ivy, Poison Oak, and Poison Sumac: Prevention and Remedies , 3d ed.,

Globe Pequot Press, Guilford, CT, 2008

Additional Readings

Poison Sumac Page

Poison Sumac ( Toxicodendron vernix )