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Poison Sumac

Toxicodendron vernix

Last reviewed: August 2026

Poison Sumac (Toxicodendron vernix)
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

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

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 432 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

PiedmontNorthern Lakes and ForestsNorth Central Hardwood ForestsDriftless AreaSoutheastern Wisconsin Till PlainsCentral Corn Belt PlainsEastern Corn Belt PlainsSouthern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift PlainsNortheastern HighlandsNortheastern Coastal ZoneNorthern Allegheny PlateauErie Drift PlainNorthern ForestsMiddle Atlantic Coastal PlainNorthern PiedmontSoutheastern PlainsBlue RidgeRidge and ValleyEastern Temperate ForestsCentral AppalachiansInterior River Valleys and HillsSouthern Coastal PlainEastern Great Lakes LowlandsAtlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). 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.

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