Pacific Poison Oak
(Toxicodendron diversilobum)
Pacific Poison Oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum)
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Patrick Leary
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Patrick Leary
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Patrick Leary | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Patrick Leary | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2015-06-03T15:37:40Z |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Toxicodendron diversilobum, commonly known as Pacific poison oak, is a deciduous woody vine or shrub native to the forests, woodlands, grasslands, and chaparral regions of western North America, particularly California and Oregon. It can grow up to 13 feet tall, with a sprawling or climbing habit. The leaves are divided into three leaflets, resembling those of true oaks, and exhibit seasonal color changes, turning bright red or yellow in the fall. In spring, it produces inconspicuous white flowers, followed by greenish-white or tan drupes that are an important food source for wildlife.
Pacific poison oak is notorious for causing allergic reactions in humans due to the presence of urushiol oil in its sap. Despite this, it has ecological value, providing food for deer, birds, and other animals. It was historically used by indigenous peoples for various purposes, including basketry, dye, and medicine. When cultivating this plant, it is crucial to handle it with care and to be aware of its potential to spread aggressively by rhizomes and seeds. It thrives in a range of light conditions, from full sun to partial shade, and prefers well-drained soils. Due to its invasive nature in some regions, it is not recommended for planting outside its native range without thorough research.CC BY-SA 4.0
Pacific poison oak is notorious for causing allergic reactions in humans due to the presence of urushiol oil in its sap. Despite this, it has ecological value, providing food for deer, birds, and other animals. It was historically used by indigenous peoples for various purposes, including basketry, dye, and medicine. When cultivating this plant, it is crucial to handle it with care and to be aware of its potential to spread aggressively by rhizomes and seeds. It thrives in a range of light conditions, from full sun to partial shade, and prefers well-drained soils. Due to its invasive nature in some regions, it is not recommended for planting outside its native range without thorough research.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub, Vine
- Height: 1.75-13 feet
- Width: 2-6.5 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Fast, Medium
Common Uses
Erosion Control
Natural Habitat
Native to the forests, woodlands, grasslands, and chaparral regions of western North America, particularly California and Oregon
Other Names
Common Names: Poison Ivy , Western Poison Oak , Poison Oak
Scientific Names: Toxicodendron diversilobum , Rhus diversiloba , Rhus diversiloba f. quinquifolia , Rhus diversiloba f. quinquifolia , Rhus diversiloba f. radicans , Rhus diversiloba f. radicans , Rhus lobata , Rhus toxicodendron subsp. diversiloba , Toxicodendron comarophyllum , Toxicodendron dryophilum
GBIF Accepted Name: