Plant Database

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Toxicodendron diversilobum

Toxicodendron diversilobum (Torr. & A. Gray) Greene

Pacific Poison Oak, Western Poison Oak

Anacardiaceae (Sumac Family)

Synonym(s): Rhus diversiloba, Toxicodendron radicans ssp. diversilobum

USDA Symbol: TODI

USDA Native Status: L48 (N), CAN (N)

An erect or spreading shrub or a climbing vine with 3-parted leaves and brown or whitish berries. Western Poison Oak is not a true oak, but a close relative of Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron radicans). Poison Ivy also has 3-part compound leaves, but the leaflets are not lobed and have more slender, pointed tips. Poison Ivy replaces Poison Oak east of the Pacific Coast region. Poison Oak is so widespread and common in California that it almost qualifies as the state shrub. Anyone spending time in the lowlands and foothills of the state should learn to recognize the plant and avoid it at all costs. Livestock and deer commonly browse the plant without ill effect.