Rhus toxicodendron Poison oak (Anacardiaceae) Deciduous shrub

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Rhus toxicodendron
Poison oak
Deciduous shrub
(1 Page of 5)

The Rhus toxicodendron plant species is found in Southeastern N. America - New Jersey to Delaware, south to Georgia, Alabama and Texas. It is a member of the Anacardiaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Poison oak. Some home gardeners know the variety as R. quercifolia. Toxicodendron radicans. T. pubescens. P.Mill.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
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Latin Name:  Rhus toxicodendron
Common Name:  Poison oak
Family:  Anacardiaceae
Author:  L.

Known Hazards:  This plant contains toxic substances and skin contact with it can cause severe irritation to some people[11]. The sap is extremely poisonous[11]. The sap contains 3-N pentadecycatechnol. Many people are exceedingly sensitive to this, it causes a severe spreading dermatitis. The toxins only reach the skin if the plant tissues have been damaged, but even indirect contact can cause severe problems[200].

Mature Height:  0.6   Mature Width:  1

Habitat:  Dry barrens, pinelands and sands[43].

Cultivation Notes: Succeeds in a well-drained fertile soil in full sun[11, 200]. Judging by the plants natural habitat, it should also succeed in poor acid soils and dry soils[K]. The young growth in spring can be damaged by late frosts. Plants have brittle branches and these can be broken off in strong winds[200]. Plants are also susceptible to coral spot fungus[11]. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[200]. This species is a small suckering shrub, it can spread freely in suitable conditions[K]. There is some confusion over the correct name of this species. It is united with R. radicans (under that name) by some botanists whilst others split this species off into another genus, Toxicodendron, and unite it with R. radicans as Toxicodendron radicans[200]. Many of the species in this genus, including this one, are highly toxic and can also cause severe irritation to the skin of some people, whilst other species are not poisonous. It is relatively simple to distinguish which is which, the poisonous species have axillary panicles and smooth fruits whilst non-poisonous species have compound terminal panicles and fruits covered with acid crimson hairs[1, 4]. The toxic species are sometimes separated into their own genus, Toxicodendron, by some botanists[200]. Dioecious. Male and female plants must be grown if seed is required.

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

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