Toxicodendron pubescens (syn. Rhus pubescens), commonly known as Atlantic poison oak,[1] is an upright shrub that can grow to 1 metre (3 feet) tall. Its leaves 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.

Atlantic poison oak
Conservation status
Secure  (NatureServe)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Eudicots
Clade:	Rosids
Order:	Sapindales
Family:	Anacardiaceae
Genus:	Toxicodendron
Species:	T. pubescens
Binomial name
Toxicodendron pubescens Mill.
Synonyms
Rhus pubescens (Mill.) Farw. Rhus toxicodendron L.

Distribution and habitat

This species is native to the Southeastern United States from Virginia[2] westward to Texas and Oklahoma.

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

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Toxicodendron pubescens.

• All about Eastern Poison Oak

На других языках

[es] Toxicodendron pubescens

[ru] Токсикодендрон пушистый