Poison Sumac in Georgia: Rare Wetland Plant, Not the Usual Culprit

Poison sumac (Toxicodendron vernix) grows only in 18 of 159 GA counties—wetlands. Most “sumac” rashes are from poison ivy (T. radicans). Atlantic poison oak is rare. All three have urushiol oil causing identical rashes.

Identification

• Poison ivy: 3 leaflets, vine or shrub.
• Poison oak: 3 leaflets, lobed, shrub.
• Poison sumac: 7–13 leaflets, wetland shrub.
• Virginia creeper: 5 leaflets, harmless.

Doctors can’t distinguish rashes by plant—treat as contact dermatitis.

Poison sumac—7-13 leaflets, wetland only.

Poison ivy—3 leaflets, everywhere.

Poison oak—lobed leaflets.

Poison oak berries.

Staghorn sumac—harmless, red fruit.

Virginia creeper—5 leaflets, often confused.