Atlantic Poison Oak
Toxicodendron pubescens
- Native to:
- United States, Virgin Islands
US gov
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Anacardiaceae
- Genus:
- Toxicodendron
- Species:
- Toxicodendron pubescens
- USDA Symbol:
- TOPU2
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb , Shrub , Subshrub
- Height:
- 100 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- apr,may,jun
- Bloom Colors:
- greenish-yellow
Wildlife Benefits
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★★☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Cameraria guttifinitella, Chain-lined geometer moth (Cingilia catenaria), Epipaschia zelleri, Episimus argutana, eyed paectes moth (Paectes oculatrix), fruit-tree leafroller (Archips argyrospila), Gelechia sabinella, Gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar), long-winged dagger moth (Acronicta longa), Marathyssa basalis, Mournful Thorn (Lambdina fiscellaria), Philodema rhoiella, Saddleback Caterpillar Moth (Acharia stimulea), Spotted Tussock Moth (Lophocampa maculata), Sumac Leafblotch Miner Moth (Caloptilia rhoifoliella)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fall Color:
- red, orange
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, acidic, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 4.5 - 6.5 (acidic to slightly acidic)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- Commonly found in dry, open woods and sandy fields.
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
- Scarification:
- Seed coat scarification required before sowing
- Germination Time:
- 30–60 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require scarification (nicking or acid treatment) followed by cold stratification for 60-90 days.