Garden Tips, Gardening
How To Identify Poison Oak
02
Jun
Jun
Poison Oak Identifiers:
- Poison Oak can be painful and irritating, and identifying this shrub can be tricky. Poison oak is mostly found in dry, sunny locations and does not thrive in areas with heavy shade. It is a low-growing shrub that can reach almost 3 feet tall, usually as a vine or shrub.
- One poison oak leaf consists of three leaflets – the stem attached to the main terminal leaflet is longer than the stems attached to the other two. Poison oak leaflets are typically a duller green than poison ivy leaflets. The leaflets also have hairs on both sides (unlike poison ivy). The toxic resin found in all parts of poison oak is urushiol.
- The main identifier of poison oak is its lobed leaves, which make it look like an oak leaf. The middle leaflet is lobed (or toothed) similarly on both margins, and the two other leaflets are usually lobed irregularly. Poison oak begins in the spring appearing red. The leaflets then turn green, and finally transition to varying shades of yellow, orange and red in the fall before dropping to the ground. Poison oak often grows in clusters, and some have white or tan berries attached to their stems.
- In general, it is best to adhere to the old saying – “leaves of three, let it be!”
- Bonus: try our Long Sleeve Protective Gloves for full-arm protection.
