VALUE AND USE
SPECIES: Toxicodendron toxicarium | Eastern Poison-Oak 



WOOD PRODUCTS VALUE : 
NO-ENTRY


IMPORTANCE TO LIVESTOCK AND WILDLIFE : 
Specific instances of wildlife use of eastern poison-oak have not been
reported in the literature, although Blair [2] listed it as palatable
browse for white-tailed deer.  Eastern poison-ivy, a closely related
species, is browsed by white-tailed deer, and its fruits are consumed by
61 species of wildlife [15].


PALATABILITY : 
NO-ENTRY


NUTRITIONAL VALUE : 
NO-ENTRY


COVER VALUE : 
NO-ENTRY


VALUE FOR REHABILITATION OF DISTURBED SITES : 
Rhus toxicodendron occurred with 1 percent frequency on 10-year-old,
unreclaimed lignite mine sites.  It occurred at 15 percent frequency on
30-year-old sites, and 67 percent on 60-year-old sites.  It was not
found on sites less than 10 years old, but did occur on undisturbed
adjacent sites at 3 percent frequency.  It is not clear from this
article whether the reference is to eastern poison-ivy or to eastern
poison-oak [23].


OTHER USES AND VALUES : 
Eastern poison-ivy was used as a stimulant and a narcotic.  Its juice was
used to make indelible ink [19].  It is likely that eastern poison-oak
has been used for the same purposes.


MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS : 
Eastern poison-oak produces uroshiol, an allergenic oil that causes
dermatitis in susceptible individuals [11].  A skin test has been
developed to determine individual sensitivity to uroshiol.  Other work
is in progress to develop preventative treatments for sensitive
individuals [18].

Eastern poison-oak can be controlled by a number of herbicides [10,11].

Related categories for Species: Toxicodendron toxicarium | Eastern Poison-Oak