Toxicodendron sp.
Poison oak, poison ivy, Poison Ivy
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Family: Anacardiaceae · Type: Shrub · Native
Toxicodendron sp. (Poison oak) is a native California shrub in the Anacardiaceae family.
How to tell it apart
vs Rubus: Rubus has prickles/thorns and aggregate fruits (like blackberries); Toxicodendron is unarmed with single white berries.; vs Quercus: Quercus has simple leaves with lobes; Toxicodendron has three separate leaflets.; vs Rhus: Rhus leaflets are dull, never shiny; Toxicodendron leaflets are distinctly glossy on top.; vs Rosa: Rosa has thorns, toothed leaflets, and rose hips; Toxicodendron is unarmed with smooth-edged glossy leaflets.; vs Acer: Acer has opposite leaves palmately lobed; Toxicodendron has alternate leaves with three separate leaflets.
Frequently asked questions
Is Toxicodendron sp. native to California?
Yes. Toxicodendron sp. is native to California (recorded as native).
What plant family does Toxicodendron sp. belong to?
Toxicodendron sp. is in the Anacardiaceae family, genus Toxicodendron.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-04-14
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.