ScientificName: Rhus toxicodendron
Description: Poison Oak prefers shaded areas and spreads by rhizomes and seeds. This weed produces berries that contain a single seed, which drops off in the spring. It can cause severe skin irritation.
Organic Control: Use an organic preemergent in the fall and in the spring such as corn gluten meal to stop any new germination from occurring. 20% Vinegar or other acid based weed control products can kill the foliage of any currently established weeds. Poison Oak usually has a vigorous root system that can be hard to eradicate. Mechanical removal may be necessary in severe cases. Always use gloves and protective clothing when dealing with plants that can cause skin irritation.
Interesting Fact: 1. Rubbing the rashes won't spread poison ivy to other parts of your body or to another person. You spread the rash only if urushiol oil, the sticky, resin-like substance that causes the rash, has been left on your hands. 2. Direct contact is needed to release urusiol oil. Stay away from forest fires, direct burning, or anything else that can cause the oil to become airborne such as a lawnmower, trimmer, etc. 3. Urushiol oil stays active on any surface, including dead plants, for up to 5 years. 4. Breaking the blisters does not release any urushiol oil that can spread, but your wounds can become infected and you may make the scarring worse. 5. Ivy and oak poisoning are the greatest single cause of workers comp claims in the U.S. (Source: U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration)