How much sun does Pacific poison oak need?

Pacific poison oak grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Pacific poison oak bloom?

Pacific poison oak blooms in March, April, and May.

Where is Pacific poison oak native?

Pacific poison oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum) is native to CA, NV, OR, WA, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Pacific poison oak attract?

Pacific poison oak draws small bees and flies.

Pacific poison oak

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Toxicodendron diversilobum

Last reviewed: October 2026

Pacific poison oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum) is a perennial vine native to CA, NV, OR, WA. It blooms in March, April, and May. The flowers draw small bees and flies.

Pacific poison oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-08-15). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

24"–72" H × 36"–96" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May

Native to

CA, NV, OR, WA

Pollinators

small bees, flies

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Puget Lowland Marine West Coast Forest Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Central California Valley Southern California Mountains Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

A native shrub or climbing vine with glossy, three-parted leaves that vary widely in shape and turn brilliant red and orange in fall. Grows in a wide range of habitats, from full sun to deep shade, spreading by rhizomes and rooting vines. All parts of the plant contain an oil that causes a severe allergic skin rash on contact for most people.

Growing Pacific poison oak

Grow Pacific poison oak in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 24 to 72 inches tall and spread 36 to 96 inches wide.

Wildlife value

The berries are an important food source for many bird species and the dense thickets provide cover, but the plant's contact allergen makes it unsuitable for cultivated home landscapes.

Common questions

How much sun does Pacific poison oak need?: Pacific poison oak grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Pacific poison oak bloom?: Pacific poison oak blooms in March, April, and May.
Where is Pacific poison oak native?: Pacific poison oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum) is native to CA, NV, OR, WA, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Pacific poison oak toxic to dogs?: Pacific poison oak is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
Is Pacific poison oak toxic to cats?: Pacific poison oak is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
What pollinators does Pacific poison oak attract?: Pacific poison oak draws small bees and flies.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

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