Jesse Saylor
Family
Anacardiaceae
Botanical Name
Toxicodendron diversilobum
Plant Common Name
Pacific Poison Oak
General Description
The western counterpart to poison ivy, Pacific poison oak also has three-parted leaves and poses a dermatological threat to anyone who touches it. Native to the Pacific Coast states, from Canada to California, it habits open woodland, forest and chaparral environments across the low to middle elevation foothills. Though technically a shrub, it can climb high into tree canopies and sprawl onto other shrubs to become an impressive vine.
This is an undesirable plant due its noxious leaf oils that cause itchy red welts and bumps on the skin. Oils can actually spread from clothing or pet hair to human skin. The deep gree three-parted leaves are glossy and oily when they first emerge in spring. Each leaflet may have prominent coarse teeth or smooth edges. Plants flower in early summer and produce pinkish berries later in the season. Foliage darkens in late summer and develops red hues in the fall. Foliage is semi-evergreen. If the leaves fall it is difficult for the average person to differentiate its leafless stems from other similar shrubs, but the stems still cause skin allergies. Plants can be marked to keep unknowing passers by from touching the stems.
This is an unpleasant wild weedy species that would never be grown in the garden. Be wary when handling and disposing of Pacific poison oak. Always wear disposable plastic gloves when handing and wash with specially developed poison ivy soap after handling. Never burn any poison ivy relative with poison oils; the oils will become airborne and are even more harmful when breathed in.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
9 - 5
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USDA Hardiness Zone
6 - 8
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Plant Type
Shrub
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade
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Height
2'-15' / 0.6m - 4.6m
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Width
5'-10' / 1.5m - 3.0m
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Bloom Time
Late Spring
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Native To
North America, United States, Western United States, Northwestern United States, Southwestern United States, California, Canada
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Clay, Loam, Sand
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Tolerances
Drought
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Growth Rate
Very Fast
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Water Requirements
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
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Habit
Vining/Climbing
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Insignificant
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Flower Color
White
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Fruit Color
Red, Green, Pink
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Burgundy
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Bark Color
Tan
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Glossy
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Evergreen
No
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Vine
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
Sometimes
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Attracts
Birds
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Self-Sowing
Yes
