Carolina Nature

Trees, Shrubs, and Woody Vines of North Carolina

Atlantic Poison-Oak (Toxicodendron pubescens)

Plantae>Magnoliophyta>Magnoliopsida>Sapindales>Anacardiaceae>Toxicodendron pubescens P. Miller

Atlantic Poison-Oak (Toxicodendron pubescens)

Atlantic Poison-Oak is a low shrub of dry habitats. Fairly common in the Coastal Plain, especially in the Sandhills, Poison-Oak is rare in the Piedmont of North Carolina. All parts of the plant cause severe skin irritation in most people.

Atlantic Poison-Oak differs from the very common Eastern Poison-Ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) in that the leaf rachis and petiolules and stems have velvety pubescence. It also only has a shrub form, while Poison-Ivy is normally a woody vine, but can grow like a shrub.

Fall color is brilliant orange-red.

Chatham Co., NC 9/20/08.

Atlantic Poison-Oak (Toxicodendron pubescens)

The tannish-white drupes are also covered with a velvety pubescence, while those of Poison-Ivy are smooth.

Chatham Co., NC 9/20/08.

Atlantic Poison-Oak (Toxicodendron pubescens)

Pale tan ripe drupes.

Scotland Co., NC 10/4/2009.

Atlantic Poison-Oak (Toxicodendron pubescens)

Poison-Oak has rich red fall color.

Scotland Co., NC 10/4/2009.

Atlantic Poison-Oak (Toxicodendron pubescens)

Detail of the pubescent rachis and leaflets.

Chatham Co., NC 9/20/08.

Atlantic Poison-Oak (Toxicodendron pubescens)

Formerly called Rhus toxicodendron or Toxicodendron toxicarium.

Moore Co., NC 6/6/03.

Atlantic Poison-Oak (Toxicodendron pubescens)

Unripe drupes.

Moore Co., NC 6/6/03.

Atlantic Poison-Oak (Toxicodendron pubescens)

Just beginning to flower.

Moore Co., NC 4/20/05.

More information:
NC State - Poisonous Plants
Virginia Tech Dendrology

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