SafePlants

Poison Ash

Poison ash is a common name applied to several different plants, most notably Comocladia dodonaea and Toxicodendron vernix. It's important to know which plant is being referred to when the term "poison ash" is used, as their distributions and characteristics may vary.

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions that some plants referred to as poison ash can yield an irritating oil.

Considerations for Children

• The text mentions that some plants referred to as poison ash can yield an irritating oil.
• The plant produces berries.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Common Names: Poison ash, Christmas Bush (in the Caribbean - specifically referring to Comocladia dodonaea)
• The name "poison ash" can refer to:
  • Comocladia dodonaea (L.) Urb.
  • Toxicodendron vernix (syn. Rhus vernix)
• Comocladia dodonaea is a dicot.

Distribution and Habitat

• Comocladia dodonaea is native to the Caribbean.
• Toxicodendron vernix is native to North America and described as a smooth American swamp shrub.

Morphological Characteristics

• Poison ash (when referring to Toxicodendron vernix) is described as a smooth American swamp shrub.
• It has pinnate leaves.
• It produces greenish flowers followed by greenish-white berries.

Quirky Facts

• The Caribbean variety of Poison Ash (Comocladia dodonaea) is also known as Christmas Bush.

Further Information

• Wiktionary
• Almaany Online Dictionary of English-English