By contrast, if you visit New England in autumn to view the fall foliage, it would be difficult to avoid seeing staghorn sumac. What are the complications of poison sumac rash? belong to the same family. Poison sumac is considered the “most toxic plant in the country.” However, on a positive note, it’s also much rarer than the others. There is a plant called “poison sumac,” but although some people have used that name for Missouri species, it technically belongs to a plant that does not occur in Missouri. Poison sumac is rare and grows in moist woodland areas or near streams. An allergy to mangoes or cashews indicates that you are likely to also have an allergy to sumac. Native to North America, sumac is a rugged, easy-to-please, good looking, useful addition to a large yard or garden. It's called \"allergic contact dermatitis\" because the rash is caused by contact with a substance to which you're allergic. Approximately 250 species of sumac are known, from all of the continents, and they follow one simple, very handy generalization. When we take a closer look at the botanical classification of poison sumac and staghorn sumac, however, we see how scientists have drawn a distinction between them: They belong to different genera. It's not just the ingredients. The fruit and leaves of the poison sumac plant contain urushiol, an oil that causes an allergic rash upon contact with skin. Don’t confuse the sumac spice with poison sumac. When the plant is bruised or damaged it releases an oil, called urushiol which causes an allergic skin reaction. All parts of a poison sumac plant are poisonous and the oils remain active even after the plant dies. The twigs on poison sumac are smooth; those on staghorn sumac are covered in tiny hairs. It can be found along the eastern and southern quadrants of the United States. While poison sumac is related to the variety of sumac that is consumed as a … Learn more about the plant and its allergenic properties. Poison sumac releases an oil known as urushiol when the plant is bruised or damaged. The plant will quickly recover with new growth after mowing. So learning the differences between their leaves and twigs is even more helpful. Physical Characteristics Look for a 5 to 20 ft (1.5 to 6.1 m) shrub or tree. Symptoms can interfere with a person’s day-to-day activities depending on where the rash occurs on the body and how much it spreads. Take special care to clean under the fingernails to avoid spreading the oil to the eyes and other parts of the body. Typically, they are around 4 to 5 millimetres (0.16 to 0.20 in) in size. Poison sumac is toxic thanks to the … When burned, this substance is released into the air, and can cause severe lung irritation. The vast majority of people (estimates range from 60-90%, depending on your source) react to contact with urushiol by developing a distinctive allergic rash with oozing blisters. Indeed, the plants are related. It can grow as high as thirty feet. Family Ties Between Poison Sumac and Staghorn Sumac, How to Tell Poison Sumac and Staghorn Sumac Apart, How to Remove Poison Sumac From Your Garden, 12 Trees With Brilliant Fall Color Plus Other Advantages, Growing Tips for Arrowwood Viburnum Shrubs. Symptoms, Treatment, and More, 10 Natural Ingredients That Repel Mosquitos, Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, Why You Need to Reconsider That Sunscreen You’re Using, leaves that consist of 7–13 leaflets arranged in pairs with a single leaflet at the end, elongated leaflets with a smooth, velvety texture, smooth edges, and a V-shaped point, bright orange leaves in the early spring that later become dark green and glossy, and then turn red-orange in the fall, ivory-white to gray fruits that are loosely packed, topical anesthetics, such as menthol or benzocaine, oral antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl). They mature to an off-white color in the fall. Hiking and biking in the parks and woodlands are popular outdoor activities, but some native plants can quickly turn your outing into a miserable experience. A person can be exposed to urushiol directly or by touching objects -- such as gardening tools, camping equipment, and even a pet's fur -- that have come into contact … Skin contact with the oil of a poison sumac plant causes an … Now, however, we are getting back to discovering the truth behind this plant. Poison sumac is one of a trio of plants (poison ivy, poison sumac, and poison oak) that produce an oil called urushiol, which is a potent allergen. You’ll have to wait for the symptoms to pass. Poison sumac grows as a shrub, 10-25 inches (25 to 60cm) tall. Symptoms of lung irritation include coughing, difficulty breathing, and wheezing. Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI, Everything You Need to Know About Poison Ivy, Is This Rash Contagious? It only grows in super wet areas, like bogs or swamps. Beginners at plant identification can easily confuse poison sumac and non-rash-causing types of sumac such as staghorn sumac. What are the symptoms of poison sumac rash? But there are also a few identification features that you should know to help you tell the two plants apart (at least at certain times of the year). Just like poison ivy, sumac also contains urushiol. There are many over-the-counter remedies to help with your symptoms in the meantime, including: You can also take an oatmeal bath to help relieve the itching. That means it causes the same reaction as poison … People who work outside in the woods or swamp areas are particularly susceptible to poison sumac rash. In fact, most species are harmless shrubs or trees. If you work or spend a lot of time in wetlands, swamps, or shady hardwood forests, being able to identify local types of poison sumac throughout the seasons is key to avoiding exposure. Learn about some…. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends rinsing with rubbing alcohol, specialized poison plant washes, degreasing soap (such as dishwashing soap), or detergent, along with lots of water. Skin contact with the oil of a poison sumac plant leads to an itchy, burning allergic skin reaction. Allergic…. If it surprises you that rash-causing poison sumac has family ties with a plant that bears edible nuts, be prepared to be surprised again: Mango trees (Mangifera spp.) Poison sumac is actually more closely related to two other rash-causing plants than it is to staghorn sumac: Realizing that these two plants usually are found in quite different habitats is step one in distinguishing between them. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Symptoms of a poison sumac rash appear 8–48 hours after exposure and can last for weeks. Poison Sumac. But poison sumac (Toxicodendron vernix) is also a small tree with leaves like regular sumac. Dermatitis simply means an irritation of the skin. Wash any exposed parts thoroughly with soap and cool water. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Although it shares the same name as sumac spice, the two belong to different plant genera and share very few similarities. Whereas poison sumac is known to botanists as Toxicodendron vernix, staghorn sumac is classified as Rhus typhina. Sumac is a general name for the 250 species of flowering plants in the Rhus genus. Some people are more sensitive to the plants and will have harsher symptoms. All rights reserved. The most prominent feature is the clusters of bright red berries that top the trees in the late summer and early fall. The word sumac is derived from the Arabic summãq, meaning red.And sumac is the common name for shrubs belonging to the Rhus genus; they bear fruit in clusters of orange to russet, and their leaves turn vividly scarlet in fall. Smart tip about staghorn sumac Planting this unique tree in your garden will bring lots of color to your garden! Poison sumac is dangerous and scary, but ornamental sumac is delightful (if a bit intrusive). Some bad native Sumacs or Sumac relatives that you should know about are Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron radicans, formerly Rhus radicans) and Poison Sumac (Toxicodendron vernix, formerly Rhus vernix). Unlike sumac spice, poison sumac is not edible and can actually be extremely dangerous to health. A staghorn sumac leaf will have at least 13 leaflets on it (usually more); a poison sumac leaf will have at most around 13 leaflets (usually fewer). A poison sumac is a plant similar to poison ivy and poison oak. Most commercial bug repellents can cause health and environmental problems. Don’t use warm water, as this could cause the oils to spread. Whereas poison sumac is known to botanists as Toxicodendron vernix, staghorn sumac is classified as Rhus typhina. Poison sumac, Toxicodendron vernix, is related to the poison ivies and poison oaks, not to the other sumacs. Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series, The Spruce Gardening & Plant Care Review Board, The Spruce Renovations and Repair Review Board. Chiggers live in tall weeds and grass, berry patches, and wooded areas. Learn how to keep them safe…. Both plants can be responsible for a nasty rash that you wouldn’t wish upon anyone. What to do if you’re exposed to poison sumac, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The very genus name of poison sumac indicates its toxic nature. There are a variety of over-the-counter (OTC) treatments available for … Because it spreads to form massive colonies, you usually do not see a single plant standing alone. Poison sumac is more similar to poison ivy and poison oak than it is to other sumacs. Staghorn sumac has bright orange or red berries growing at the edge of its stems. The best way to prevent poison oak rash is to learn to recognize the plant and avoid contact with it. Its leaves also have saw-toothed edges, unlike poison sumac. Poison sumac is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3b through 8b. The rash-causing agent, urushiol, is the same, and it causes the same rashes. Poison sumac, like poison ivy and poison oak, contains uroshiol, a highly irritating substance that causes severe rashes. Knowing how to tell poison sumac apart from staghorn sumac could save you from getting a terrible skin rash. Poison sumac (Toxicodendron vernix) is a native plant that grows exclusively in very wet or flooded soils, usually in swamps and peat bogs.Every part of the plant contains an oil that inflames skin and results in painfully itchy blisters and rashes. Poison sumac is particularly abundant along the Mississippi River and swampy areas of the Southeast. Moreover, they both are tall shrubs (sometimes reaching about 30 feet tall), deciduous, and native to eastern North America. Staghorn sumac, while very common, isn’t dangerous. Poison sumac is actually more closely related to two other rash-causing plants than it is to staghorn sumac: Poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) See pictures and learn about possible remedies. Poison sumac also goes by the name thunderwood in the southeastern US.. Poison sumac releases an oil known as urushiol when the plant is bruised or damaged. Clean all contaminated clothing, shoes, and gear with detergent several times. Sumac is a spice that is popular in the Middle East. These are other well-known plants that are also in the Toxicodendron genus of the sumac family. What Does Poison Sumac Look Like? Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just want to hit the trail with your pup or kids, these apps will get you there. Staghorn Sumac, like many of our favorite edibles, is technically classified as a weed! Poison sumac is a plant of very wet areas. Call 911 or go to a hospital emergency room immediately if your eyes swell shut or you have difficulty breathing. What is Poison Sumac? Difference is, poison sumac has clusters of grayish white berries that hang down, and the plants grow exclusively in low, wet, or flooded areas such as swamps and peat bogs. One such plant is poison sumac, a deciduous, woody shrub or small tree. The sap is extremely irritating to the skin for many people and causes an itchy, painful inflammation known as contact dermatitis. Itching, also known as ‘pruritus’ in the medical world, can be more than a small annoyance. The most widespread sumac — staghorn sumac — is non-poisonous. Most sumac shrubs are quite harmless (nonpoisonous) and potentially desirable landscaping elements, which is another reason why you should identify poison sumac properly: There is no reason to pass up the great fall color of nonpoisonous sumac simply because they have "sumac" in their common name. It can cause a lot of discomfort and may even become a…, Many people have experienced an occasional skin rash or unexplained mark. In terms of its potential to cause urushiol-induced contact dermatitis, poison sumac is more toxic than its relatives poison ivy and poison oak. Learn tips for creating your most beautiful (and bountiful) garden ever. Poison sumac, sometimes also called thunderwood, is a type woody shrub that belongs to the same family of plants as poison ivy. Poison sumac is found in swamps, wetlands, pinewoods, and hardwood forests. Winged sumac (Rhus copallinum) looks similar to poison sumac, but is nonallergenic (doesn’t cause an allergic reaction). Sumac is in the same family as both of those plants. It is relatively rare compared to the other members of the family. The berries (drupes) provide the most obvious clue. Poison oak also typically comes in leaves of three. Yes, some varieties are poisonous, but many are not, and it’s not difficult to distinguish them. After all, until recently sumac, poison ivy, and poison oak were all classified under the same genus, Rhus. There is no cure for the rash. This rash is a form of allergic contact dermatitis. Poison sumac fruit are creamy white and part of a cluster. Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac are all plants that can cause a temporary, irritating rash when they come in contact with your skin. Happily, their leaves differ in a few ways, so you should have no trouble telling them apart; while, even in winter (when there are no leaves), you can tell the two apart by inspecting their twigs: David Beaulieu is a garden writer with nearly 20 years experience writing about landscaping and over 10 years experience working in nurseries. Some people may only be familiar with the poisonous variety of sumac that can cause a serious rash much like poison oak and poison ivy do. Its scientific name is Toxicodendron vernix. This botanical group is also called the "cashew" family, and cashew trees (Anacardium occidentale) are part of it. It is related to the poisonous shrub by the same name, but the culinary variety is safe to use and easily identifiable by its vibrant red berries (poisonous sumac … Poison sumac is one of the most toxic plants in the United States, causing a horrible skin reaction that can persist for weeks. Both poison sumac and staghorn sumac have compound leaves, made up of individual leaflets. Poison sumac is a type of plant that can cause an allergic skin reaction. Skin contact with the oil of a poison sumac plant causes an allergic skin reaction known as contact dermatitis. This latter genus ialso ncludes a sumac impostor that does cause rashes, poison sumac (T. vernix). Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac are plants that contain an irritating, oily sap called urushiol. The rash itself is not contagious, but the oils can be spread if they remain on the skin, clothing, or shoes. Staghorn sumac trees are short – between five and 15 feet tall – and the branches have between 4 and 15 pairs of long, pointed leaves. It is a frequent inhabitant of stretches along the roadside where the soil is dry. Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac are plants that can cause a rash if you come in contact with the urushiol oil found in them. Fortunately, learning a little about the plants' respective habitats and the differences in their leaves, twigs, and berries will help you arrive at a positive identification and allow you to enjoy a walk in the woods with greater peace of mind. They are packed tightly together in soft, cone-shaped tufts that grow upright. Learn about natural repellents that actually work. Poison sumac (Toxicodendron vernix) inhabits swamps and other wet areas as well as pinewoods and hardwood forests. See pictures and learn about remedies. Poison sumac typically … Poison ivy can be found in nearly every state, so there’s a good chance you will eventually cross paths with it. To be clear: we are not talking about poison sumac here. Some conditions that cause skin rashes are very contagious. If you do not spend any time around swamps, there is a good chance that you will never see poison sumac, even if you visit a region to which it is native, such as New England (U.S.). Treatment will usually involve antibiotics. It is found on wetlands, swampy areas, hardwood forest, and pinewoods. Mowing of sumac is not a good control measure, since the wood is springy, resulting in jagged, sharp-pointed stumps when mown. Most strikingly, they share a trait that draws much attention to them in autumn: extremely colorful fall foliage. You can get the rash by coming into contact with poison sumac at any time of year, including winter. But the berries of staghorn sumac are red. The spice we see in brick and mortar specialty stores and online is usually imported and derived from a Mediterranean sumac species, Rhus coriaria. If you’re exposed to poison sumac, the first step is to remove the oil from your skin. Poison sumac is one of the most toxic plants in North America. The shape of the berries is flattish. It is commonly seen in the southern and eastern parts of America. Poison sumac (Toxicodendron vernix) grows as a large shrub or a small tree. You should also make a visit to your doctor if you think your rash has become infected due to scratching. Despite these similarities, it is important to appreciate their differences. Poison sumac, poisonous shrub or small tree of the cashew family, native to eastern North America. Poison sumac is not edible, and like any foraged plant or ‘shroom, you should be 110% sure of what you’ve found before eating it. Poison sumac sports groups of separate berries (not fused together) that droop down from small stems. Not Poison Sumac. However, other species of the same family, like Rhus toxicodendron and Rhus vernicifera are very poisonous for humans and for animals. The very genus name of poison sumac indicates its toxic nature. This gives us another contrast with poison sumac, a solitary specimen of which you may very well find growing in a swamp. Poison sumac may be identified by its white drupes, which are quite different from the red drupes of true Rhus species. Symptoms of an infection include redness, pain, pus, and oozing from the blisters. Then wiser minds prevailed and poison ivy and oak were moved to a different genus, Toxicodendron, which is Latin for "poison tree." Thankfully, poison sumac is much less common than poison oak and poison ivy. Urushiol triggers an allergic reaction when it comes into contact with skin, resulting in an itchy rash, which can appear within hours of exposure or up to several days later. Staghorn sumac is not to be confused with poison sumac. Don’t wait until a reaction appears on your skin to take action; a rash could take hours to develop. A doctor may prescribe oral or strong topical steroids to help reduce inflammation. Poison sumac and staghorn sumac belong to the same family: Anacardiaceae. If the rash is on the face or genitals, spreads over a large part (30–50 percent) of the body, or you have a high fever (over 101°F), see your doctor. as this could lead to an infection. Inhalation of smoke from … (1, 2) Image 1: A poison sumac plant with grey to ivory white fruits. Another beneficial plant in the family is the smoke bush (Cotinus coggygria), a popular ornamental landscape plant. Harmless sumac is almost always a tree. © 2005-2020 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. It grows in tropical and temperate regions all over the world. American sunscreen may also be less great at sun and skin protection than brands from other countries. This can be fatal. Learn the…, Sometimes your immune system will identify a substance as harmful, even though it isn't. Poison ivy and poison oak are two other commonly known poisonous plants that can cause a rash, but they look different from poison sumac. Scratching the skin can lead to an infection. Poison ivy typically has three shiny green leaves (or red in the fall) budding from one small stem. If the oil is inhaled, which may occur if the plant is burned, it can lead to a dangerous lung irritation. Species with red berries, including smooth and fragrant sumac, produce edible berries, while species with white berries, including poison ivy, have poisonous berries. When this happens, it's called an allergic reaction. While poison sumac likes to grow in wetlands, most other sumacs prefer drier areas with well-drained soils. In contact with poison sumac is much less common than poison oak are covered tiny... We are not talking about poison sumac rash sap called urushiol small stems pus and! 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