Toxicodendron diversilobum: Difference between revisions

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Toxicodendron diversilobum

Toxicodendron diversilobum, commonly known as Pacific poison oak, is a plant native to western North America. It is a member of the Anacardiaceae family and is known for causing contact dermatitis in humans.

Description

Toxicodendron diversilobum is a deciduous shrub or vine that can grow up to 3 meters tall as a shrub and up to 30 meters long as a vine. The leaves are typically divided into three leaflets, which can vary in size and shape. The plant is known for its ability to change color with the seasons, displaying green leaves in spring and summer, and vibrant red or orange hues in the fall.

Habitat

Toxicodendron diversilobum is found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, grasslands, and chaparral. It thrives in areas with well-drained soil and can often be found along trails and roadsides. The plant is widespread in California and extends into Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia.

Toxicity

The plant contains an oil called urushiol, which is responsible for the allergic reaction known as contact dermatitis. Urushiol can cause itching, redness, and blistering of the skin upon contact. The severity of the reaction can vary depending on individual sensitivity and the amount of exposure.

Ecological Role

*Toxicodendron diversilobum* in its red phase

Despite its reputation as a nuisance to humans, Toxicodendron diversilobum plays an important role in its ecosystem. It provides food and habitat for various wildlife species. Birds and small mammals consume the berries, while deer and other herbivores browse the leaves.

Management

Controlling Toxicodendron diversilobum can be challenging due to its vigorous growth and ability to resprout from roots. Mechanical removal, such as cutting or mowing, can be effective but may require repeated efforts. Chemical herbicides can also be used, but care must be taken to avoid harming non-target plants.

Gallery

Toxicodendron diversilobum flowering
Berries of Toxicodendron diversilobum
Pacific poison oak
Smaller leaves of Toxicodendron diversilobum
Climbing form of Toxicodendron diversilobum

Related pages

References

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-'''Toxicodendron diversilobum''', also known as [[Pacific poison oak]], is a woody vine or shrub in the [[Anacardiaceae]] family. It is native to the western region of [[North America]], where it is widespread and commonly found in a variety of habitats.
+==Toxicodendron diversilobum==
-== Description ==
+[[File:PoisonOak_wb_biggerLeaves.jpg|thumb|Leaves of ''Toxicodendron diversilobum'']]
-''Toxicodendron diversilobum'' is a deciduous plant that can grow as a dense shrub up to 3 meters tall, or as a vine that climbs on other vegetation or structures. The leaves are divided into three leaflets, each 3.5 to 10 cm long, with the central leaflet on a longer stalk. The leaflets are usually lobed, giving the species its name "diversilobum", meaning "diverse lobes". The leaves turn bright red in autumn before falling off.
+[[File:Toxicodendron_diversilobum_foliage_at_Samuel_P._Taylor_State_Park.jpg|thumb|Foliage at Samuel P. Taylor State Park]]
-== Distribution and habitat ==
+'''''Toxicodendron diversilobum''''', commonly known as '''Pacific poison oak''', is a plant native to western North America. It is a member of the [[Anacardiaceae]] family and is known for causing contact dermatitis in humans.
-''Toxicodendron diversilobum'' is native to the western regions of North America, from [[British Columbia]] to [[Baja California]], and eastward to [[Nevada]]. It is found in a wide range of habitats, from sea level to mountainous regions, and from open fields to dense forests.
-== Toxicity ==
+==Description==
-Like other members of the genus ''[[Toxicodendron]]'', ''T. diversilobum'' contains [[urushiol]], a clear liquid compound found within the sap of the plant that causes an allergic reaction in most people who touch it. This reaction can range from a mild rash to severe dermatitis. The plant is most toxic in spring and early summer when the sap is most abundant.
+''Toxicodendron diversilobum'' is a deciduous shrub or vine that can grow up to 3 meters tall as a shrub and up to 30 meters long as a vine. The leaves are typically divided into three leaflets, which can vary in size and shape. The plant is known for its ability to change color with the seasons, displaying green leaves in spring and summer, and vibrant red or orange hues in the fall.
-== Ecology ==
+==Habitat==
-''Toxicodendron diversilobum'' plays a significant role in its ecosystem. It provides food and habitat for a variety of wildlife species, including several species of birds and mammals. Despite its toxicity to humans, some animals, such as deer and goats, are able to eat the leaves without apparent harm.
+[[File:Poison_ivy_contact_dermatitis.jpg|thumb|Contact dermatitis caused by ''Toxicodendron diversilobum'']]
+''Toxicodendron diversilobum'' is found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, grasslands, and chaparral. It thrives in areas with well-drained soil and can often be found along trails and roadsides. The plant is widespread in California and extends into Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia.
-== See also ==
+==Toxicity==
-* [[Toxicodendron radicans]] (Eastern poison ivy)
+The plant contains an oil called [[urushiol]], which is responsible for the allergic reaction known as contact dermatitis. Urushiol can cause itching, redness, and blistering of the skin upon contact. The severity of the reaction can vary depending on individual sensitivity and the amount of exposure.
-* [[Toxicodendron rydbergii]] (Western poison ivy)
-* [[Toxicodendron vernix]] (Poison sumac)
-== References ==
+==Ecological Role==
-<references />
+[[File:PoisonOakRedPhase.jpg|thumb|''Toxicodendron diversilobum'' in its red phase]]
+Despite its reputation as a nuisance to humans, ''Toxicodendron diversilobum'' plays an important role in its ecosystem. It provides food and habitat for various wildlife species. Birds and small mammals consume the berries, while deer and other herbivores browse the leaves.
+==Management==
+Controlling ''Toxicodendron diversilobum'' can be challenging due to its vigorous growth and ability to resprout from roots. Mechanical removal, such as cutting or mowing, can be effective but may require repeated efforts. Chemical herbicides can also be used, but care must be taken to avoid harming non-target plants.
+==Gallery==
+<gallery>
+File:Poison-oak-flowering.jpg|''Toxicodendron diversilobum'' flowering
+File:Toxicodendron_diversilobum_berries.jpg|Berries of ''Toxicodendron diversilobum''
+File:Pacific-Poison-Oak.jpg|Pacific poison oak
+File:PoisonOak_wb_smallerLeaves.jpg|Smaller leaves of ''Toxicodendron diversilobum''
+File:ClimbingPoisonOak.jpg|Climbing form of ''Toxicodendron diversilobum''
+</gallery>
+==Related pages==
+* [[Toxicodendron radicans]]
+* [[Toxicodendron vernix]]
+* [[Contact dermatitis]]
+==References==
+{{Reflist}}
-[[Category:Flora of North America]]
-[[Category:Toxic plants]]
 [[Category:Anacardiaceae]]
-{{Anacardiaceae-stub}}
+[[Category:Flora of California]]
+[[Category:Flora of the Western United States]]