Poison sumac is a small tree or large shrub with large attractive leaves and white fruits that could be used as an ornamental if it didn't cause severe skin irritation in most people. Its smaller relatives with 3-parted leaves, Poison Ivy and Poison Oak, have similar irritating properties.

Key features used to identify sumac include large alternate leaves usually with 9-13 entire (not toothed) leaflets and a red rachis (the stem connecting the leaflets). The leaflets themselves, are smooth and may be shiny above.

Typical Sumac found in our forests, glens... and our backyards Poison Sumac is distinguished by its maroon colored stems Sumac can also appear as one of the “Dangerous Three” but it’s maroon stems give it away.

To return to “The Poisons” gateway page, click HERE

To view treatments for the “Three Poisons,” click HERE

To return to the HOME page, click HERE

To leave a comment, click HERE