Poison sumac (Toxicodendron vernix)
Poison sumac, also known as Poison Sumac, Thunderwood
Poison sumac (Toxicodendron vernix) is a woody shrub known for its oil that induces an itchy, burning rash. It is more allergenic than both poison ivy and poison oak. Interestingly, its sap can be used to produce a black varnish for woodworking.
Key Facts About Poison sumac
Attributes of Poison sumac
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Tree
Plant Height
9 m
Spread
3 m to 6 m
Leaf Color
Green in summer, red or orange in autumn
Flower Size
10 cm
Flower Color
White Yellow Green
Scientific Classification of Poison sumac
Phylum
Vascular plants
Class
Dicotyledons
Order
Sapindales
Family
Cashew
Genus
Toxicodendron
Species
Poison sumac
Toxicity
Contact with skin or ingestion