Plant · GBIF taxon 3190621
Pacific poison oak
Toxicodendron diversilobumAlso known as Western Poison Oak
Pacific poison oak grows as a low shrub, dense thicket, or climbing woody vine. Its three leaflets vary from lobed to nearly smooth, change color seasonally, and contain persistent urushiol oil even after leaves fall.
Woody VineThree LeafletsUrushiol
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Photosynthetic; obtains water and minerals through a woody perennial root system
Predators
- Deer
- Woodrats
- Leaf-feeding insects
ThreatsBroadly adaptable; local plants are affected by clearing, severe fire, and prolonged drought
HabitatsOak woodland, chaparral, forest edges, canyons, stream corridors, and disturbed sites
Life spanLong-lived woody perennial; established root systems can persist for decades
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyAnacardiaceae
- SpeciesToxicodendron diversilobum
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Urushiol on every plant part can cause a severe blistering rash, including from dormant stems or smoke.
- Why it is dangerous
- Urushiol oil can trigger intense allergic dermatitis and remains active on dead plants, clothing, tools, and pet fur.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Look for three leaflets on a shrub or vine, but remember leaflet shape, color, and gloss vary greatly.
- What to do
- Do not touch or burn the plant; wash exposed skin and contaminated gear promptly after possible contact.
Responsible observation
- Distance: Stay clear of foliage, bare stems, and trailing vines.
- Identify: Verify three leaflets and variable lobed or wavy margins.
- Aftercare: Wash exposed skin and gear promptly with appropriate cleanser.
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