Poison Oak
(Western Poison Oak)
Toxicodendron diversilobum

[tocks-ih-ko-DEN-dron  die-ver-sih-LOW-bum]

FAMILY: Anacardiaceae (Cashew)

DESCRIPTION: {native} Plant can be a shrub, vine or small tree. Deciduous leaves are in threes and plants are usually either male or female and reproduce by both seeds and rhizome roots. Leaves, stems and roots contain rash causing oils in sap canals.

HABITAT: Partly shaded to full sun in most soil types almost anywhere below 5,000 ft.

NOTES: Most common native shrub in California and responsible for highest percentage of contact dermatitis (rash).