''Toxicodendron pubescens'' (syn. ''
Rhus pubescens
''Toxicodendron pubescens'' (syn. ''Rhus pubescens''), commonly known as Atlantic poison oak, is an upright shrub that can grow to 1 metre (3 feet) tall. Its leaves are 15 centimetres (6 inches) long, alternate, with three le ...
''), commonly known as Atlantic poison oak, is an upright
shrub
A shrub (often also called a bush) is a small-to-medium-sized perennial woody plant. Unlike herbaceous plants, shrubs have persistent woody stems above the ground. Shrubs can be either deciduous or evergreen. They are distinguished from trees ...
that can grow to 1 metre (3 feet) tall. Its
leaves
A leaf (plural, : leaves) is any of the principal appendages of a vascular plant plant stem, stem, usually borne laterally aboveground and specialized for photosynthesis. Leaves are collectively called foliage, as in "autumn foliage", wh ...
are 15 centimetres (6 inches) long, alternate, with three leaflets on each. The leaflets are usually hairy and are variable in size and shape, but most often resemble
white oak leaves; they usually turn yellow or orange in autumn. The
fruit is small, round, and yellowish or greenish. It is not closely related to
true oaks.
Distribution and habitat
This species is native to the
Southeastern United States from
VirginiaDigital Atlas of the Virginia Flora: ''Toxicodendron pubescens''.
westward to Texas and Oklahoma
Oklahoma (; Choctaw language, Choctaw: ; chr, ᎣᎧᎳᎰᎹ, ''Okalahoma'' ) is a U.S. state, state in the South Central United States, South Central region of the United States, bordered by Texas on the south and west, Kansas on the nor ...
.
Atlantic poison oak can be found growing in forests, thickets, and dry, sandy fields.
Toxicity
All parts of this plant contain urushiol, which can cause severe dermatitis in sensitive individuals. The risk of exposure may be reduced by learning to recognize and avoid this species and wearing clothing that covers the legs and arms. Contaminated clothing should be laundered before subsequent handling or use.
Effects of poison oak are similar to those of poison ivy. It first causes severe itching, evolves into inflammation, non-colored bumps, and then blistering when scratched.
See also
* Poison sumac
* Western poison oak
References
External links
* See Tecnu skin cleanser Wikipedia
All about Eastern Poison Oak
{{Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue
pubescens
Flora of the Southeastern United States
Flora of the United States
Plants described in 1768
Taxa named by Philip Miller