Poison Sumac (2024)

Problems:
All parts of the plant contain a toxic resin called urushiol that causes skin and mucous membrane irritation. When burned, inhalation of the smoke causes diarrhea and other internal irritations.

Profile:
A woody shrub or small tree growing up to 20 feet tall.
The stems of the leaflets are always red. Yellow-green flowers are present during June and July. The small white or grey berries are visible in September.
Non-poisonous sumac has red berries. Poison Sumac differs from other sumacs in having shorter leaves, fewer leaflets, and smooth leaf edges.

Habitat/Distribution:
Present in the eastern United States and Canada. Grows exclusively in very wet or flooded soils, usually in swamps and peat bogs. Non-poisonous sumac prefers dry soil.

Controls/Management:
Control techniques include hand pulling or grubbing; severing the vine and then treating the regrowth with an herbicide; or applying an herbicide to individual leaflets.