Poison Sumac (Toxicodendron vernix)

Form

Small tree or large shrub.

Leaf

Compound, alternate, 7 to 14 inches long with 7 to 13 oval leaflets. In general appearance, the leaves resemble ash, but the leaf stems are always red, which is the best distinguishing characteristic of poison sumac.

Fruit

Small, grayish white shiny berry, hanging in slender, drooping clusters. These ripen in September and remain on the tree until the following spring.

Range

Found only on low wet ground in the southern part of the state, while the other sumacs are found on well-drained soil.

Notes

The poison is similar in effect to that of the closely related poison ivy, but is even more virulent. With both, infection is usually due to contact. The sap becomes gummy on drying and is often carried to other parts of the body by the hands. For first aid, wash the exposed parts with hot water and strong soap to remove as much of the poison as possible. The regular sumac is found on dry sites and has reddish berries in upright clusters.