Atlantic poison oak

Atlantic poison oak (Toxicodendron pubescens) is a shrub native to the southeastern United States. It is part of the cashew family and is often confused with poison ivy. Like other poison oak species, it contains urushiol, an oil that causes a severe, itchy, and painful skin inflammation upon contact.1

Atlantic poison oak typically grows less than one meter (3 feet) tall and has rhizomes. Its leaves usually have three lobed leaflets that can resemble those of a white oak. This plant prefers open woodlands and sandy thickets and does not thrive in deep shade. It's important to note that neither Atlantic nor Pacific poison oak are true oaks of the Quercus genus.1