Where Do You Find Poison Oak?


Poison oak is not as widespread as poison ivy, but to make things more interesting there are two species found in the United States, Eastern Poison Oak and Western Poison Oak. Don't let the terms confuse you though, the plants look the same. Poison oak has three leaflets like poison ivy, but they are scalloped and shaped like the leaves from an oak tree.

Like poison ivy, poison oak likes "disturbed ground" but is also commonly found in oak woodlands and Douglas fir forests. Poison oak can grow as a shrub in the sunlight or a climbing vine in areas that are shaded with colors ranging from bronze, bright green, yellow-green or red as the seasons change. Poison oak may also contain greenish-white or tan berries.

Visit our photos area to see images of poison oak as it changes colors throughout the year.