Portland Oregon lawn Care

Poison Oak

Poison oak can be found in the western region of the United States, particularly in Washington and Oregon. This plant is native to the western sections of North America, and extends from British Columbia to the Baja California peninsula.

Description

Poison oak is also known as Rhus quercifolia in southeastern United States. Its scientific name is toxicodendron diversilobum. This plant species is very widespread and grows in a variety of habitats like open woodland, grassy hillsides, open chaparrals, and forests.

Identification

The leaves on a poison oak have dense hair and are divided in to three leaflets with three to seven lobes each. It also bears fruit which is berry-like, poisonous, and quite hairy as well. In the Pacific Coast, the poison oak is classified as Rhus diversiloba. It resembles a shrub or climbing plant with toothed leaves that have three leaflets and are hairless. These two species of the poison oak are poisonous, and should not be mistaken for edible plants or fruit.

Impact

Urushiol is an oily poisonous substance that can be obtained from touching or getting into contact with any type of poison oak. The chemical is present in all parts of the plant. If any part of the plant comes to contact with the skin, the poison is absorbed and there will be a resulting rash or irritation. In other cases, when a pet such as a dog or a cat has come across a shrub or field of poison oaks, you may also get an irritation when you touch your pet, even if they are immune to the poison. If your clothes get into contact with the poison oak, you may still be infected even with the smallest amounts of the chemical. Once the poisonous oil has been absorbed by the skin, you will begin to develop rashes. Scratching may not cause the infection to spread, but there will be noticeable amounts of ooze coming out from the rash. Take note that the oil that is oozing from the rash is not the urushiol, but rather oil that is secreted by your immune system in fighting the infection.

Biology

Because poison oak can grow in a variety of habitats, it can also survive under a wide range of temperatures, light intensities, moisture conditions, and soil types. Birds also have played a significant role in spreading the plant species. These birds actually eat the fruit from poison oak, and the seeds are transported from their digestive tracts.

Management

Burning poison oak is not the solution in getting rid of the poisonous plant. Poison oak is a natural component of the plant community and should not be considered as an infestation. Poison oak is a native species and biocontrol is not a solution in the management of this plant species. One of the most effective ways in dealing with the spread of poison oak is to remove them by hand pulling. It is highly recommended that people with sensitive skin do not handle these plants.

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