Poison Sumac Plants

Toxicodendron vernix is a deciduous shrub (bush). Because these bushes can grow to be rather tall (10 feet or more) and exhibit a prominent trunk, they are sometimes referred to as "trees," as well.

But if you hear anyone referring to them as "vines," then you know that person is way off-base and is probably thinking of something entirely different: namely, poison ivy plants. It is true that both contain urushiol and can give you a rash. However, poison ivy is a very different-looking plant; at maturity, it can be encountered as a large vine that climbs trees -- something that is never true of poison sumac. That fact should become clear after you read the information below, where I help you with identification so that you can avoid coming into contact with this toxic plant.

I offer a poison sumac photo gallery specifically designed as an aid to identification. In discussing what poison sumac looks like below, I've included links to those images in order to facilitate identification. Follow these links for a clearer understanding of any of the identifying features that I present below.

First of all, Toxicodendron vernix has pinnately-compound leaves. And those leaves are composed of leaflets with entire margins. The leaves' red stems (stalks) are very useful for identification. The fall color of the leaves can be seen in the picture above, on your right.

The new bark is smooth, the old bark rougher.

These bushes are dioecious.

The question of how to get rid of poison sumac must be addressed on two separate levels: removal of the plants and treatment for the rash.

Ortho's Brush-B-Gone is recommended for the removal of these woody plants. It is an herbicidal spray that is available at a variety of home improvement stores. Wear protective gear when spraying to protect yourself both from the poison sumac plants and from the spray. It is important to note that burning as a method of getting rid of poison sumac is a bad idea, since inhaling the smoke would mean introducing urushiol to your lungs.

On the medical side, treating the blisters and other rash-related symptoms caused by these poisonous plants is similar to treating poison ivy.

Wild birds eat the waxy white berries (technically, "drupes") in winter, when other food is scarce.

For all its toxicity (and the resulting skin problems caused by these plants), poison sumac can be a breathtaking bush in autumn. Like other sumacs, its fall color is second to none.

I've already introduced you to my gallery above, but if you wish to peruse more photos to help you with identification (including photos of the bush's outstanding fall color), please start at the beginning of my poison sumac pictures and browse through to the end.