Identifying Toxic Plants: Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac

Urushiol oil in these three causes contact dermatitis—learn them cold. Poison ivy: woody vine or shrub, 3-9 leaflets (usually 3), green summer/red fall, yellow-green flowers, white berries. Midwest/East near water. Poison oak: shrub (East) or vine to 30' (West), oak-like 3-leaf clusters, yellow berries. Poison sumac: SE boggy areas, shrub to 15', 7-13 red-green leaflets, pale yellow/cream berries.

Identification Saves Suffering

Teach everyone in your household. Wear protection when removing. Wash exposed skin immediately with soap and cool water. The rash isn't contagious—but the oil on tools, clothes, and pets is.