The stem attaching the terminal leaflet is longer than the stems attaching the other two. Like poison ivy, a single poison oak leaf consists of three leaflets.
Poison oak is confirmed in north and central Florida, from Levy and Marion Counties northward. It is found in dry, sunny locations and does not tolerate heavy shade. Poison oak, also known as Atlantic poison oak, oakleaf ivy, or oakleaf poison ivy, is a low-growing, upright shrub that is about 3 feet tall. Virginia creeper showing vining habit and winter color.Ĭredit: Sydney Park Brown, UF/IFAS Poison Oak ( Toxicodendron pubescens) Leaves emerge with a shiny reddish tinge in the spring and turn a dull green as they age, eventually turning shades of red or purple (Figure 3) in the fall before dropping.įigure 6. The stem attaching the terminal leaflet is longer than stems attaching the other two. Leaflets can be 2–6 inches long and may be toothed or have smooth edges. The old saying "Leaflets three, let it be" is a reminder of this consistent leaf characteristic. Leaf forms are variable among plants and even among leaves on the same plant however, the leaves always consist of three leaflets. Plants are frequently abundant along old fence rows and the edges of paths and roadways.
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All parts of poison ivy, including the hairy-looking aerial roots, contain urushiol at all times of the year, even when bare of leaves and fruit in winter. It can be a woody shrub up to 6 feet tall or a vine up to 150 feet tall that climbs high on trees, walls, and fences or trails along the ground (Figure 2). Poison ivy grows in shady or sunny locations throughout Florida. Other poison ivy relatives that grow in Florida and may also cause allergic reactions include mango ( Mangifera indica) ( ), cashew ( Anacardium occidentale) ( ), and the highly invasive Brazilian pepper-tree ( Schinus terebinthifolius) ( ). Nevertheless, the sap from leafless stems and roots is still problematic. Keep in mind that poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac are deciduous, making identification difficult in winter. Children should be taught to recognize these plants, particularly poison ivy, as it is by far the most common. This publication helps individuals learn to identify these plants in order to avoid contact with them. Interaction with these plants is largely preventable.
How to identify poison sumac professional#
Severe or infected rashes may need professional medical treatment. Minor rashes can be cared for at home with over-the-counter treatments that contain zinc acetate, hydrocortisone, or zinc oxide oatmeal baths a paste of baking soda or oral antihistamines. Clothes should be washed thoroughly and separately from other laundry. If exposed to the urushiol oil in one of these plants, immediately cleanse exposed skin, tools, shoes, or other items with plenty of warm, soapy water and then rinse thoroughly with plain, cool water.
How to identify poison sumac skin#
Over-the-counter skin creams containing the active ingredient bentoquatam (for example, Ivy Block®) absorb the urushiol oil and can prevent or lessen a reaction if applied before contact. Systemic complications can occur if the blisters become infected. The rash, which can last 2–5 weeks, is not contagious and will not spread. Itching and burning of the skin may be followed by a rash, redness, swelling, and watery blisters. Symptoms appear within 8–48 hours and can last for weeks. Some people are not sensitive, but may become sensitive after repeated exposure. Individuals vary in their susceptibility to these plants. Poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac, and poisonwood.Ĭredit: Cook (2012) Larry Korhnak, UF/IFAS
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