Toxicodendron vernix: Difference between revisions

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{{short description|Species of flowering plant in the cashew family}}
{{short description|Article about the plant species Toxicodendron vernix}}
{{Taxobox
{{Taxobox
| name = Poison sumac
| name = Toxicodendron vernix
| image = Toxicodendron_vernix.jpg
| image = Toxicodendron_vernix.jpg
| image_caption = Leaves and berries of ''Toxicodendron vernix''
| image_caption = Toxicodendron vernix foliage
| genus = ''Toxicodendron''
| regnum = [[Plantae]]
| species = ''T. vernix''
| unranked_divisio = [[Angiosperms]]
| unranked_classis = [[Eudicots]]
| unranked_ordo = [[Rosids]]
| ordo = [[Sapindales]]
| familia = [[Anacardiaceae]]
| genus = ''[[Toxicodendron]]''
| species = '''''T. vernix'''''
| binomial = ''Toxicodendron vernix''
| binomial_authority = (L.) Kuntze
}}
}}


'''Toxicodendron vernix''', commonly known as '''poison sumac''', is a species of flowering plant in the family Anacardiaceae. It is native to eastern North America and is known for its ability to cause skin irritation upon contact.
'''''Toxicodendron vernix''''', commonly known as '''poison sumac''', is a highly toxic plant species native to [[North America]]. It is a member of the [[Anacardiaceae]] family, which also includes [[poison ivy]] and [[poison oak]].


==Description==
==Description==
''Toxicodendron vernix'' is a deciduous shrub or small tree that can grow up to 9 meters (30 feet) tall. The leaves are pinnately compound, with 7 to 13 leaflets that are smooth-edged and pointed. The plant produces small, greenish flowers in clusters, which develop into white or grayish berries.
[[File:Toxicodendron_vernix.jpg|thumb|right|Leaves of ''Toxicodendron vernix'']]
''Toxicodendron vernix'' is a deciduous shrub or small tree that can grow up to 9 meters (30 feet) tall. The plant has compound leaves with 7 to 13 leaflets arranged in pairs with a single terminal leaflet. The leaves are smooth-edged and can vary in color from bright green to reddish in the fall.
 
The plant produces small, greenish flowers in clusters, which develop into white or grayish berries. These berries are a food source for some bird species, although they are toxic to humans.


==Habitat==
==Habitat==
Poison sumac typically grows in wet, swampy areas such as bogs and marshes. It is often found in the eastern United States, from Maine to Florida, and west to Texas and Minnesota. The plant prefers acidic, poorly drained soils.
''Toxicodendron vernix'' is typically found in wet, swampy areas such as bogs, marshes, and along riverbanks. It prefers acidic soils and is often found in the eastern United States and southeastern Canada.


==Toxicity==
==Toxicity==
The plant contains an oil called urushiol, which can cause an allergic skin reaction known as contact dermatitis. This reaction results in itching, redness, and blistering of the skin. Urushiol is present in all parts of the plant, including the leaves, stems, and berries.
The plant contains [[urushiol]], an oily compound that can cause severe allergic reactions in humans. Contact with any part of the plant can result in [[contact dermatitis]], characterized by itching, redness, and blistering of the skin. The reaction can occur within hours to days after exposure.


==Identification==
==Prevention and Treatment==
Poison sumac can be distinguished from other sumacs by its smooth-edged leaflets and the presence of white berries. Unlike other sumacs, which have red berries and serrated leaflets, poison sumac's berries are white and its leaflets are smooth.
To prevent exposure to ''Toxicodendron vernix'', it is important to recognize the plant and avoid contact. Wearing protective clothing and using barrier creams can help reduce the risk of exposure.


==Prevention and Treatment==
If contact occurs, washing the affected area with soap and water as soon as possible can help remove the urushiol. Over-the-counter treatments such as calamine lotion and hydrocortisone cream can alleviate symptoms. In severe cases, medical attention may be necessary.
To prevent exposure to urushiol, it is important to recognize and avoid contact with poison sumac. If contact occurs, washing the affected area with soap and water as soon as possible can help reduce the severity of the reaction. Over-the-counter treatments such as calamine lotion and hydrocortisone cream can alleviate symptoms.


==Related pages==
==Related pages==
* [[Toxicodendron radicans]] (Poison ivy)
* [[Toxicodendron radicans]] (Poison ivy)
* [[Toxicodendron diversilobum]] (Poison oak)
* [[Toxicodendron diversilobum]] (Poison oak)
* [[Anacardiaceae]]
* [[Contact dermatitis]]


[[Category:Toxicodendron]]
[[Category:Anacardiaceae]]
[[Category:Flora of North America]]
[[Category:Flora of North America]]
[[Category:Plants described in 1753]]
[[Category:Poisonous plants]]

Latest revision as of 06:24, 16 February 2025

Article about the plant species Toxicodendron vernix



Toxicodendron vernix, commonly known as poison sumac, is a highly toxic plant species native to North America. It is a member of the Anacardiaceae family, which also includes poison ivy and poison oak.

Description[edit]

Leaves of Toxicodendron vernix

Toxicodendron vernix is a deciduous shrub or small tree that can grow up to 9 meters (30 feet) tall. The plant has compound leaves with 7 to 13 leaflets arranged in pairs with a single terminal leaflet. The leaves are smooth-edged and can vary in color from bright green to reddish in the fall.

The plant produces small, greenish flowers in clusters, which develop into white or grayish berries. These berries are a food source for some bird species, although they are toxic to humans.

Habitat[edit]

Toxicodendron vernix is typically found in wet, swampy areas such as bogs, marshes, and along riverbanks. It prefers acidic soils and is often found in the eastern United States and southeastern Canada.

Toxicity[edit]

The plant contains urushiol, an oily compound that can cause severe allergic reactions in humans. Contact with any part of the plant can result in contact dermatitis, characterized by itching, redness, and blistering of the skin. The reaction can occur within hours to days after exposure.

Prevention and Treatment[edit]

To prevent exposure to Toxicodendron vernix, it is important to recognize the plant and avoid contact. Wearing protective clothing and using barrier creams can help reduce the risk of exposure.

If contact occurs, washing the affected area with soap and water as soon as possible can help remove the urushiol. Over-the-counter treatments such as calamine lotion and hydrocortisone cream can alleviate symptoms. In severe cases, medical attention may be necessary.

Related pages[edit]