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
Medicinal | Edible Uses

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].

Propagation Notes: Seed - best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe. Pre-soak the seed for 24 hours in hot water (starting at a temperature of 80 - 90c and allowing it to cool) prior to sowing in order to leach out any germination inhibitors[200]. The stored seed also needs hot water treatment and can be sown in early spring in a cold frame[200]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 10cm with a heel, July/August in a frame[200]. Root cuttings 4cm long taken in December and potted up vertically in a greenhouse. Good percentage[78, 200]. Suckers in late autumn to winter[200].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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