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Poison Sumac

Description A shrub or small tree, poison sumac can grow from 6 to 20 feet tall. The
compound leaves have 7 to 13 leaflets that are elliptic to oblong. There are
other non-poisonous sumacs in the Illinois landscape with similar number
of leaflets. One way to help identify between the toxic and non-toxic
sumacs is that the drupes of poison sumac are hairless, drooping, and
are green when immature, but then turn grey-white as they mature. The
drupes of other non-toxic sumacs often have hairs on the drupes and are
red to crimson. Poison sumac leaflets have smooth margins and do not
have a winged main stem, while non-toxic sumacs may have serrations on
the margins and will have winged main stem.
Hazards Skin absorption
Location • Typically found in very wet areas like swamps and peat bogs.
Physical Hazards • Contact with the oil can cause an itchy rash. Some people are highly
allergic.
• Burning can release fumes from the oil which can be hazardous if
breathed in.
• Use caution when weed whipping or mowing areas where present.
• Oil is present in both leaves and stems
Prevention • Cover skin with long sleeves, long pants, gloves and closed-toed shoes
when working areas, it is, or maybe present.
• Avoid contact with clothing and equipment that may have contacted
the oil. Oil may be present on tools, equipment or other items for long
periods of time. Re-transfer of oil is possible.
• Wash hands with soap and water before touching exposed skin.
First Aid Measures • Wash exposed skin immediately with soap and cold water.
• Visit a clinic if burns are present over large areas of the body or sensitive
body parts.
Additional • https://web.extension.illinois.edu/jsw/downloads/
Resources PlantsThatCauseSkinIrritationFactSheet.pdf