Outdoor Itch Resource Center

If you’re spending time outdoors, especially near wetlands or rivers, you might unknowingly encounter a plant that could cause painful skin reactions: poison sumac.

Unlike its cousins poison ivy and poison oak, poison sumac thrives in moist, swampy areas and can be harder to spot. Understanding its appearance and how to safely navigate areas where it grows is key to avoiding an unpleasant experience. Let’s dive into how to recognize poison sumac and what to do if you come into contact with it!

What Does Poison Sumac Look Like?

Poison sumac is a woody shrub typically around six to nine feet tall, but it can sometimes reach up to 15 feet. The leaves are the most distinctive feature of the plant:

• Leaves: Poison sumac leaves are compound, which means each leaf is made of several smaller leaflets (usually 7-13). These leaflets are oval, with pointed tips and smooth edges. They have a glossy texture and are arranged in pairs along a central stem, with one leaf at the tip.
• Color: The leaves are bright green during spring and summer, and they turn bright red, yellow, or orange in the fall. They often have a reddish hue when new in spring.
• Stems: The steams are reddish-brown and can appear smooth, but some may have a slight fuzzy texture on them. The stems are sometimes seen in clusters, especially in younger plants.

Where Does Poison Sumac Grow?

Unlike its relative poison ivy, poison sumac is not typically found in drier climates. poison sumac is commonly found in wetland areas such as swamps, marshes, and along the edges of rivers and ponds. It gravitates toward moist, acidic soils and thrives in areas with poor drainage. The plant primarily grows in the eastern US and parts of the Midwest.

If you’re planning a lake river day, be sure to keep an eye out for the distinctive shrubs.

Poison Sumac’s Seasonal Appearance Changes

Poison sumac’s appearance changes and evolves through the seasons, so it’s essential to understand these changes to identify different characteristics.

• Spring: In spring, poison sumac starts to sprout bright green leaves that are smooth and glossy. The plant can also produce small, greenish flowers in clusters.
• Summer: During the summer, the plant retains its green leaves and develops small clusters of white or off-white berries. These berries contain urushiol, the oil that causes skin reactions. It is critical during summer to avoid touching the plant.
• Fall: In the fall, the leaves change colors and turn bright red, yellow, or orange. This can make the plant stand out against the green foliage, depending on the location.
• Winter: In the winter, poison sumac sheds its leaves, but the plant’s red stems and small white berry clusters remain visible. The berries will often remain on the branches well into winter, so even when leaves have fallen, the plant is still identifiable.

What to Do if You Encounter Poison Sumac

Coming into contact with poison sumac can be a daunting experience, but no need to panic. Here are some steps to follow:

Stay Calm and Avoid Touching the Plant

Do not touch the plant with bare skin. The leaves, stems, and berries all contain urushiol oil. If you accidentally touch poison sumac, be sure to avoid touching your face, particularly your eyes and mouth, as this can spread the oil to sensitive areas.

Leave the Area Immediately

Move away from the plant to avoid further exposure. Make sure you stay clear of any area where you might have brushed against it, and make of not of where it is located.

Rinse Your Skin Off Quickly

Wash with soap and water as soon as possible to remove any trace of the oil.  Tecnu Original can effectively clean the area, while Tecnu Detox Wipes can clean the exposed areas and prevent the spread of the oil on-the-go. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water, and avoid using hot water, which may open your pores and allow more oil to seep in.

Clean Any Clothing or Gear

If you were wearing clothes, gloves, or boots that might have come into contact with poison sumac, wash them as soon as possible to prevent transferring the oil to your skin later. Use hot water and detergent, and avoid using the same wash cycle for other clothing. Clothing can be pretreated with Tecnu Original. If any tools or equipment (like gardening tools or camping gear) touched the plant, clean them to remove any lingering urushiol. Use Tecnu Detox Wipes if possible.

Important Identification Tips to Remember

Poison sumac plants tend to grow in wet, marshy areas. They typically thrive in low-lying areas where moisture is abundant – this is a drastic difference from poison ivy or oak.

Unlike poison ivy, poison sumac leaves grow in odd-numbered clusters, and it is a shrub or small tree, not a ground cover.

If you are ever unsure, always err on the side of caution – use gloves or protective clothing when in suspected poison sumac areas. If needed, carry protection such as Tecnu Original or Tecnu Detox Wipes to clean potentially exposed areas or to prevent the spreading of the oil.