Western poison-oak
General poisoning notes:
Western poison-oak (Rhus diversiloba; synonym Toxicodendron diversiloba) is a native shrub found in southwestern British Columbia. This plant contains urushiol, which is highly sensitizing in humans. Reactions can range from mild redness to large areas of oozing lesions and fever (Mulligan 1990, Gayer and Burnett 1988).
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Rhus diversiloba T. & G.
Vernacular name(s): western poison-oak
Scientific family name: Anacardiaceae
Vernacular family name: cashew
Rhus diversiloba T. & G.
Geographic Information
British Columbia
Notes on Poisonous plant parts:
All parts of the plant, with the exception of the pollen, anthers, xylem, and epidermis, contain the allergen urushiol. Even in winter, sap from damaged stems causes allergic reactions. Similarly, damage to the root results in dermatitis (Mulligan 1990, Gayer and Burnett 1988).
Toxic parts:
All parts, flowers, immature fruit, leaves, mature fruit, plant juices, stems.
Notes on Toxic plant chemicals:
Urushiol, a nonvolatile phenolic allergen, includes alkylcatechols, found in all toxic Rhus species. Urushiol is found in the resin canals that occur throughout the plants. The toxin is exposed after damage to the plant (Gayer and Burnett 1988).
Toxic plant chemicals:
Urushiol oil.
Animals/Human Poisoning:
Note: When an animal is listed without additional information, the literature (as of 1993) contained no detailed explanation.
Humans
General symptoms of poisoning:
Blistering, blisters, weeping, itchiness, temperature, elevated.
