Poison Sumach
Rhus vernix
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Always consult a qualified clinician before using any herbal preparation — especially during pregnancy, breastfeeding, while on medication, or for children. How we source & review →
Pl. 0AAA — Rhus vernix
Rhus vernixRhus vernixRhus vernixRhus vernixRhus vernixRhus vernixRhus vernixRhus vernixRhus vernixRhus vernixRhus vernixRhus vernixRhus vernixRhus vernix
IOverview
Overview
Poison Sumach, scientifically known as Rhus vernix, is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to the eastern United States and southeastern Canada. Found in moist, wet habitats such as swamps and low woods, it thrives in light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soils and requires full sun for optimal growth. Hardy from zones 3-7, this plant can reach a height of 3 meters. Known for its ornamental value due to the distinctive arrangement of leaves—composed of 9-13 leaflets per branch—and its potential as an edible source, poison sumach is recognized by its white berries and distinctive, long, compound leaves with pointed tips. Its range extends from Alabama to Wisconsin, making it a notable presence in many eastern North American landscapes.
Quick answers
What is Poison Sumach?
Poison Sumach, scientifically known as Rhus vernix, is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to the eastern United States and southeastern Canada. Found in moist, wet habitats such as swamps and low woods, it thrives in light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soils and requires full sun for optimal growth.
What is Poison Sumach used for?
Traditionally used for topical & skin. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 1 evidence-ranked use of Poison Sumach
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources- Traditional-use note: Poison Sumach appears in herbal sources around traditional skin-care routines, often as a traditional preparation. PlantSage presents this as ethnobotanical context, not as medical advice.
Traditional context only. This reviewed claim keeps the original low confidence level, but avoids treatment, disease, dosage, or guaranteed-effect language.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Poison Sumach support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Poison Sumach thrives in full sun and prefers moist to wet soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It can grow up to 3 meters tall and is commonly found as a tree or shrub. Hardy in zones 3-7, this plant is native to the eastern United States, including states like Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, and Florida. Ensure the soil remains consistently moist for best growth, though it can tolerate varying soil types. Propagation can be done through cuttings or seeds.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist, Wet
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
3-7
Habit
Tree, Shrub
Mature size
3.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Poison Sumach for the first time
8steps
Start with planting Poison Sumach in a suitable location and basic care to ensure its healthy growth.
- 1
What you'll need
Poison Sumach saplings, garden gloves, spade or trowel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or early fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with moist, well-draining soil. Amend heavy clay soils with sand for better drainage.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant saplings from containers into prepared soil, ensuring the root ball is covered properly.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist. Monitor for signs of stress and adjust watering accordingly.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun exposure and regular watering, especially during dry spells. Prune in late winter or early spring.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead or damaged branches to maintain the plant's shape and health.
- 8
Common mistakes
Planting in too sunny a spot, not providing enough moisture, over-fertilizing, and neglecting winter protection.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible uses: Oil
Other uses:DyeInkMordantoilVarnishLumber
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 30 native
Asia1 region
native (1)Georgia
Broader regions
native:Massachusetts, Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Nova Scotia, Ohio, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Québec, Rhode I., South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family, common use cases, and growing requirements.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
- How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · 0aaa7db9-b8ce-4ab0-9383-3e2091df0385
Decision aid
Choosing between Poison Sumach and something else?
Continue reading
❦❦❦❦
Endpaper · archive updates
Get archive updates
Occasional email when substantial new content lands — plant profiles, seasonal growing notes, folk-remedy additions. Free, no tracking, unsubscribe anytime.