Native Plant Database

From the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Tree
Leaf Arrangement: Alternate
Leaf Complexity: Pinnate
Leaf Shape: Ovate
Leaf Margin: Entire
Size Notes: Height up to 15 feet.
Fruit: White. 1/4-1/3 inch across.
Size Class: 6-12 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Yellow , Green , Brown
Bloom Time: Jun , Jul

Distribution

USA: AL , CT , DC , DE , FL , GA , IL , IN , KY , LA , MA , MD , ME , MI , MN , MS , NC , NH , NJ , NY , OH , PA , RI , SC , TN , TX , VA , VT , WI , WV
Canada: NS , ON , QC
Native Distribution: Extreme S. Quebec and Maine south to central Florida, west to E. Texas, and north to SE. Minnesota; mostly confined to Atlantic and Gulf coastal plains and Great Lakes region; to 1000 (305 m).
Native Habitat: Wet soil of swamps, bogs, seepage slopes, and frequently flooded areas; in shady hardwood forests.
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(N)

Growing Conditions

Soil Moisture: Moist , Wet

Benefit

Use Wildlife: The fruit of Poison Sumac is not toxic to birds or animals and is consumed by many kinds of wildlife, such as bobwhites, pheasants, grouse, and rabbits, especially in winter, when other food is scarce.
Use Other: A black varnish can be made from the sap, as in a related Japanese species.
Warning: POISONOUS PARTS: All parts, in all seasons if plant sap contacted. Severe skin irritation upon contact. Symptoms include severe skin redness, itching, swelling, and blisters following direct or indirect contact. Toxic Principle: Urushiol. (Poisonous Plants of N.C.)
Attracts: Birds

Find Seed or Plants

View propagation protocol from Native Plants Network.

From the Archive

Wildflower Newsletter 1985 VOL. 2, NO.3 - Greenhouse Assists Research, Wild color on the Hills, Director's Report, Clearin...

Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

View Recommended Species page

Additional resources

USDA: Find Toxicodendron vernix in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Toxicodendron vernix in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Toxicodendron vernix