Anacardiaceae
Toxicodendron diversilobum

Poison-Oak

Vine or shrub, round stems reddish or gray. Leaves divided into 3 oblong shiny leaflets on twigs to 4 in. long. Edges can be smooth, wavy, or lobed. Dark green color becomes bright red in autumn. Oblong clusters of flowers on a separate stalk. Berries cream or brown. Grows at low to mid elevations in woodlands and on rocky slopes. Although resin in all parts of plant is toxic to life-threatening, most people only suffer from rashes or blisters after contact. Toxico is Latin for "poison" and dendron means "tree." Do not touch this plant or the similar T. rydbergii, poison-ivy.

  • Rarity: Common
  • Flowering Time: Late Spring, Early Summer
  • Life Cycle: Perennial
  • Height: 1--8 feet
  • Habitat: West-Side Forest, East-Side Forest
  • Found In: Olympic Np
  • Native: Yes

More Information: