How to Recognize Poison Ivy, Oak, and SumacTopic OverviewPoison ivy, oak, and sumac are found throughout the continental United States. In general, poison ivy grows east of the Rocky Mountains, poison oak west of the Rocky Mountains, and poison sumac in the southeastern United States. See a picture of poison ivy, oak, and sumac . The plants may look different depending on the season and the area where they are growing. But all of these plants have small white, tan, cream, or yellow berries in the fall. Their berries can help distinguish them from harmless but similar plants. After the leaves have fallen off, these plants can sometimes be identified by the black color on areas where the oil in the plant (urushiol) has been exposed to air. Poison ivyPoison ivy is found everywhere in the United States except Alaska and Hawaii. It is most common in the eastern and midwestern states. It is less common outside the United States, but still found on every continent. Poison ivy:
Poison oakPoison oak is most common in the western United States, although it is also found in eastern states. It rarely is found in midwestern states. Poison oak:
Poison sumacPoison sumac is much less common than poison ivy or poison oak. It is found in wooded, swampy areas, such as Florida and parts of other southeastern states. It is also found in wet, wooded areas in the northern United States. Poison sumac:
Where they are not found
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ByHealthwise Staff Current as ofOctober 5, 2017
Current as of: October 5, 2017 Author: Healthwise Staff Medical Review: William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine & Martin J. Gabica, MD - Family Medicine |
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