Poison Sumac
Toxicodendron vernix
Last reviewed: July 2026
Poison Sumac (Toxicodendron vernix) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
part shade
Water
high
Size
60"–240" H × 60"–180" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul
Native to
AL, CT, DE, FL and 25 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles, wasps
Poison sumac is a tall wetland shrub that thrives in swamps and boggy areas. This native plant produces small greenish flowers in summer followed by white berries, but all parts contain oils that cause severe skin reactions in humans.
In an HOA neighborhood
Poison Sumac takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
- Extremely toxic to humans causing severe rashes
- Liability concern for neighborhoods
- Can grow very large and unruly
Wildlife value
The flowers attract bees, beetles, and wasps, while birds feed on the white berries in fall. Despite its toxicity to humans, it provides valuable food sources for wildlife in wetland ecosystems.
Common questions
- How much sun does Poison Sumac need?
- Poison Sumac grows best in part shade conditions.
- When does Poison Sumac bloom?
- Poison Sumac blooms in June and July.
- Where is Poison Sumac native?
- Poison Sumac (Toxicodendron vernix) is native to AL, CT, DE, FL and 25 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Poison Sumac toxic to dogs?
- Poison Sumac is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Poison Sumac toxic to cats?
- Poison Sumac is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- What pollinators does Poison Sumac attract?
- Poison Sumac draws bees, beetles, and wasps.
- Is Poison Sumac HOA-friendly?
- Poison Sumac takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Poison Sumac? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz