Poison sumacВ is a highly poisonous woody shrub or small tree.Once the leaves have shed in the winter, the plant may be identified by black marks where milky sap once cooled and dried. Poison oakвЂ™s small, round fruit emerges from white flowers. The leaf colors range from bronze to green, and red and pink in the fall. The leaves are hairy, scalloped and toothed, resembling real oak leaves, although they tend to be glossier. Its leaves are somewhat larger than poison ivy leaves, although, similarly, poison oak displays an alternating three-leaf pattern. In open sunlight, it grows as a dense shrub, and as a climbing vine in shaded areas. Identification: Due to its tendency to mimic its surroundings, identifying poison oak can be difficult.Poison oak vines climb far up the trunks of coastal redwoods, sometimes killing small trees. The plant is common in Douglas fir forests and California oak woodlands. It is typically found in damp, semi-shady areas near running water, but thrives in direct sunlight, and requires water only in early spring. Western poison oak, which is found only on the North American Pacific coast.Atlantic poison oak, which can be found growing in forests, thickets, and dry, sandy fields and.Habitat: Poison oak comes in two region-based varieties:.Just as poison ivy merely resembles actual ivy, poison oak owes its name to a superficial resemblance to the oak treeвЂ™s leaves. Poison oak is a poisonous, upright shrub.Its leaf surfaces are smooth and become shiny with maturity, and their edges may or may not be ridged. Regardless of its form, alternating clusters of three almond-shaped leaves that range in color from light to dark green, turning red in the fall, easily distinguish poison ivy. as a climbing vine that grows on trees or some other support, which may actВ as a tree limb.as a shrub that can grow up to 4 feet (1.2 meters) tall and.as a trailing vine or groundcover that is 4 to 10 inches (10 to 25 cm) long.Identification: Poison ivy can be found in any of the following three forms:.It is common in wooded areas, especially along lawn edges, as well as in exposed rocky areas, and in open fields and disturbed areas. states east of the Rockies except North Dakota, as well as in mountainous areas of Mexico below 4,900 feet (1,500 m). Habitat: Poison ivy grows throughout much of suburban and rural North America, including the Canadian maritime provinces, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, and all U.S.

Poison ivyВ accounts for the majority of contact dermatitis resulting from urushiol oil.

The Three Most Notorious Allergenic Plants in North America Tearing the plant in an attempt to kill it will release far more oil than can be contracted from just accidentally brushing against it.

Urushiol oil is found in virtuallyВ every part ofВ the host plant, including the leaves, vines and roots.

The oil may be removed with alcohol or cold water for a short periodВ following exposure.

Domesticated animals and wildlife do not appear to be allergic to urushiol.

Oil transferred from the plant to other objects (such as pet fur) can cause a rash if it comes into contact with human skin.

The oil can remain active for several years, so handling dead leaves or vines can cause a reaction.

Do not handle dead urushiol-secreting plants.

Urishiol vapors can travel long distances, and inhaling them can create potentially life-threatening respiratory distress.

NEVER burn any plants described in this guide.A segment of the population вЂ“ perhaps as much as 30% - is not allergic to urushiol oil, althoughВ many peopleВ may become sensitized after repeated exposure.A few other important facts about urushiol oil:

Does poison ivy have thorns