Atlantic poison oak

Secure  (NatureServe)[1]
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Sapindales
Family: Anacardiaceae
Genus: Toxicodendron
Species:
T. pubescens
Binomial name
Toxicodendron pubescens
Synonyms
  • Rhus pubescens (Mill.) Farw.
  • Rhus toxicodendron L.

Toxicodendron pubescens (syn. Rhus pubescens), commonly known as Atlantic poison oak,[2] is an upright shrub that can grow to 1 metre (3 feet) tall. Its leaves are 15 centimetres (6 inches) long, alternate, with three leaflets on each. The leaflets are usually hairy and are variable in size and shape, but most often resemble white oak leaves; they usually turn yellow or orange in autumn. The fruit is small, round, and yellowish or greenish. It is not closely related to true oaks.

Distribution and habitat

This species is native to the Southeastern United States from Virginia[3] westward to Texas and Oklahoma.

Atlantic poison oak can be found growing in forests, thickets, and dry, sandy fields.

Toxicity

All parts of this plant contain urushiol, which can cause severe dermatitis in sensitive individuals. The risk of exposure may be reduced by learning to recognize and avoid this species and wearing clothing that covers the legs and arms. Contaminated clothing should be laundered before subsequent handling or use.

Effects of poison oak are similar to those of its close relative poison ivy. It first causes severe itching, evolves into inflammation, non-colored bumps, and then blistering when scratched.

See also

References

  1. ↑ NatureServe (30 June 2023). "Toxicodendron pubescens". NatureServe Network Biodiversity Location Data accessed through NatureServe Explorer. Arlington, Virginia: NatureServe. Retrieved 3 August 2023.
  2. ↑ USDA, NRCS (n.d.). "Toxicodendron pubescens". The PLANTS Database (plants.usda.gov). Greensboro, North Carolina: National Plant Data Team. Retrieved 11 December 2015.
  3. ↑ Digital Atlas of the Virginia Flora: Toxicodendron pubescens. Archived 2011-07-19 at the Wayback Machine
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