Pacific poison oak
ExplorePlants
Pacific poison oak
Toxicodendron diversilobum
Pacific poison oak is a plant that can look like a bush or a vine. It has shiny leaves that can change colors with the seasons, making it interesting to see in nature!
Habitat: Forests
Appearance
The Pacific poison oak is a highly variable plant, growing as a low shrub or a climbing vine. Its glossy leaves grow in distinctive clusters of three, often turning vibrant red, orange, or yellow in autumn, making it visually distinct. It does not have thorns.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderSapindalesFamilyAnacardiaceaeGenusToxicodendron
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
4/5 · High
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
Birds eat its berries and help spread its seeds far and wide!
It's not actually an oak, but a relative of cashews and mangoes!
Just one billionth of a gram of its oil can cause an itchy rash!
The itchy oil can stay active on dead plants or clothes for years!
Special abilities
Ability
Growth Master
This plant can grow as a low shrub or a climbing vine, helping it reach sunlight in diverse environments.
Ability
Spreading Roots
It has underground stems called rhizomes that help it spread widely and quickly colonize new areas.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 15-600 cm
- Spread
- 50-1000 cm
- Flower Size
- 0.2-0.5 cm
- Bloom Season
- Spring
- Edible
- No
- Toxicity
- High
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
eats
Mule Deer
Odocoileus hemionus
Mule deer can eat its leaves without harm.
depends on
American Robin
Turdus migratorius
Robins eat its berries, helping to spread the seeds.
pollinates
European Honey Bee
Apis mellifera
Bees visit the small, inconspicuous flowers for nectar.
Traits
Deciduous
Deciduous plants periodically shed all their leaves, typically during autumn or dry seasons.
Shrub
A shrub is a woody plant smaller than a tree, typically with multiple stems branching from or near the ground.
Fall Color
Fall color refers to the seasonal change in foliage pigmentation, primarily in deciduous plants, displaying vibrant hues.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Toxic
Toxic organisms contain substances that are poisonous and can cause adverse effects upon exposure.
Poisonous
Poisonous organisms produce toxins that can cause harm when ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through contact.
Also known as
Poison Oak
Collections
Safety
Danger
4/5 · High
Do not touch this plant, as it can make your skin itchy and uncomfortable.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Pacific poison oak?
15-600 cm
How wide does Pacific poison oak spread?
50-1000 cm
How big are the flowers on Pacific poison oak?
0.2-0.5 cm
When does Pacific poison oak bloom?
Spring
Is Pacific poison oak edible?
No
Is Pacific poison oak toxic?
High
What is Pacific poison oak's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is Pacific poison oak pollinated?
Insect
Snap Map
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
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Recent Snaps
Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.
Where to spot
Park66 sightings8 species
California, US
Hellyer County Park
You might spot Duck, American Coot, and Canada Goose.
View guide →
Park45 sightings8 species
California, US
Nojoqui Falls County Park
You might spot Purple Martin, Acorn Woodpecker, and Dark-Eyed Junco.
View guide →
Park66 sightings8 species
Washington, US
Seward Park
You might spot Western Hemlock, Duck, and Western Sword Fern.
View guide →
Park0 sightings0 species
California, US
Gaviota State Park
You might spot Western Fence Lizard and Canyon Sunflower.
View guide →
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