Poison Ivy
● Grows in much of the eastern United States.
● Depending on the species, can be a "shrub" or a "vine," the latter requiring a tree for
support.
● In about 75%-85% of the population, it generates contact dermatitis, or inflammation of
the skin.
● Inflammation caused by urushiol oil on the plant.
○ This oil sticks to nearly anything: skin, clothing, equipment, etc.
Poison Oak
● Grows in much of the western United States, especially in California.
● Like Poison Ivy, inflammation is caused by the urushiol oil on the plant.
● Sometimes hard to spot due to the plant being obscured by foliage.
● Note the position of the leaf—it is an indicator of poison oak.
Urushiol
● An oil found on the leaves of Poison Ivy, Poison Oak, and other plants such as the
Lacquer Tree.
● The oil is not a defensive mechanism—many animals can safely eat Poison Ivy and
Poison Oak with no ill effects.
, ● The oil can be processed to make lacquer for finishing wood-based products.
Oleander
● Planted in most parts of the world, Oleander is thought to have originated from North
Africa or the Middle East.
● Millions of these plants are grown along highways and roadways throughout California.
● Very commonly used in gardens.
● One of the most poisonous gardening plants available.
○ Oleander sap can cause dermatitis (similar to Poison Ivy and Poison Oak).
○ Ingestion can cause a whole host of digestive and nervous system problems.
Oleander Toxicity
● Toxicity caused by oleandrin in the plant.
● Binds to proteins that control sodium/potassium pumps, preventing nerve cells from
"resetting."
● Causes muscle cells to continually contract, which inhibits respiration.
● Symptoms: nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, salivation, and bloody diarrhea.
● Grows in much of the eastern United States.
● Depending on the species, can be a "shrub" or a "vine," the latter requiring a tree for
support.
● In about 75%-85% of the population, it generates contact dermatitis, or inflammation of
the skin.
● Inflammation caused by urushiol oil on the plant.
○ This oil sticks to nearly anything: skin, clothing, equipment, etc.
Poison Oak
● Grows in much of the western United States, especially in California.
● Like Poison Ivy, inflammation is caused by the urushiol oil on the plant.
● Sometimes hard to spot due to the plant being obscured by foliage.
● Note the position of the leaf—it is an indicator of poison oak.
Urushiol
● An oil found on the leaves of Poison Ivy, Poison Oak, and other plants such as the
Lacquer Tree.
● The oil is not a defensive mechanism—many animals can safely eat Poison Ivy and
Poison Oak with no ill effects.
, ● The oil can be processed to make lacquer for finishing wood-based products.
Oleander
● Planted in most parts of the world, Oleander is thought to have originated from North
Africa or the Middle East.
● Millions of these plants are grown along highways and roadways throughout California.
● Very commonly used in gardens.
● One of the most poisonous gardening plants available.
○ Oleander sap can cause dermatitis (similar to Poison Ivy and Poison Oak).
○ Ingestion can cause a whole host of digestive and nervous system problems.
Oleander Toxicity
● Toxicity caused by oleandrin in the plant.
● Binds to proteins that control sodium/potassium pumps, preventing nerve cells from
"resetting."
● Causes muscle cells to continually contract, which inhibits respiration.
● Symptoms: nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, salivation, and bloody diarrhea.
