are sumac trees allergenic
Children should be taught to recognize these plants, particularly poison ivy, as it is by far the most common. Keep in mind that poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac are deciduous, making identification difficult in winter. Nevertheless, the sap from leafless stems and roots is still problematic. Unfortunately, the native plants poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac, and poisonwood can make these outings a miserable experience (Figure 1). All four contain urushiol, a plant oil that can cause a severe skin rash (dermatitis) when any part of the plant is contacted. Sumac trees just might be your best source for the type of fall foliage people associate with the New England region, a fact known by the nurseries that sell this weed to those seeking a brilliant autumn display (photo). The fruits can be dried and taken as a tea, or used fresh or dried to make a tincture. To make a tincture, use about 30% alcohol (three parts vodka to one part water). As with most herbs, I prefer to use the tincture of the fresh fruits. For topical use sumac can be used as a compress. When using sumac as a medicine, the usual dosage is one cup of tea or 3-4 ml of either the 1:5 fresh fruit tincture, or 1:7 dried fruit tincture. These should be taken three times per day on an empty stomach, preferably 10-15 minutes before meals. When we think of New England fall foliage, red maple trees come immediately to mind, not sumac trees. A single majestic maple bears thousands of colorful fall leaves. By comparison, sumac is small; indeed, depending upon whom you ask, it is considered either a small tree or tall shrub. The plants have white berries in autumn, and the berries hang down. Non-poison sumac trees bear red berries in the autumn, and their berries grow upright. In addition, poison sumac plants grow in swamps, whereas non-poison sumac plants prefer precisely the opposite habitat -- soils that are well-drained. Allergen Exposure. Peppertree is a member of the family Anacardiaceae, which includes plants in the genus Rhus (syn. Toxicodendron; poison ivy, Sicilian sumac tree, poison oak, poison sumac), Anacardium (Cashew nut), Mangifera (Mango), Schinus (Peppertree, piru), and Pistacia (Pistachio). Allergen Exposure. Geographical distribution. Peppertree is a member of the family Anacardiaceae, which includes plants in the genus Rhus (syn. Toxicodendron; poison ivy, Sicilian sumac tree, poison oak, poison sumac), Anacardium (Cashew nut), Mangifera (Mango), Schinus (Peppertree, piru), and Pistacia (Pistachio). Sumac (Rhus) Sumac Genus Details. Sumacs are coarse-growing, suckering shrubs to small trees with whitish sap. The leaves are pinnately compound, 12 long with a shiny green color on the upper side of the leaves and a whitish color beneath. The flowers are less than 1/8 wide with 5 white petals. More allergenic than poison ivy and poison oak is poison sumac, a deciduous woody shrub or small tree that grows 5–20 feet tall and has a sparse, open form (Figure 9). It inhabits swamps and other wet areas, pine woods, and shady hardwood forests.
Yes, poison sumac trees allergenic.