Poison Oak

Related Resources Poisonous Flowers

Spring, summer and fall mark the height of outdoor activity across the United States. Keeping safe in the outdoors means being aware of your surroundings, including the presence of poisonous plants.

Five native shrubs in the Toxicodendron genus of the sumac family can easily ruin any outdoor activity. The genus goes by the name poison oak, however it covers five native shrubs that can cause mild to severe skin irritations:

• Pacific poison oak (Toxicodendron pubescens)
• Atlantic poison oak (Toxicodendron radicans)
• Eastern poison ivy (Toxicodendron rydbergii)
• Western poison ivy (Toxicodendron succedaneum)
• Poison Sumac (Toxicodendron vernix)

The top picture shows the three rounded, lobed and red (or green) leaves of the poison oak plant. Poison ivy plants have three pointed leaves and poison sumac has large, alternating leaves.

The shrubs grow in almost every environment and most parts of the plant, including the roots, stems, leaves and fruit contain an oily sap that attaches to, and quickly irritates the skin.

Home remedies for Toxicondendron contact abound, the best remedies start with avoiding the plants. In case of contact, many experts cite the importance of immediately cleaning the area with cool water and using some type of mineral oil to attempt to remove the sap.

In instances where skin irritations such as itching and blistering occurs, experts recommend topical treatments of Hydrocortisone or the basic standby Calamine lotion.

© 2009. Patricia A. Michaels