Can I eat poison sumac?
Quick Answer
No
Poison sumac is highly toxic and can cause severe allergic reactions when ingested or even touched.
What Is It?
Poison sumac is a plant that grows in wet, wooded areas primarily in the southeastern United States. It contains urushiol, a clear liquid compound found within the sap of the plant that causes an itchy, irritating, and sometimes painful rash in most people who touch it.
How to Tell
Signs of poison sumac ingestion may include difficulty swallowing, slurred speech, and severe allergic reactions.
Why It Can Be Risky
Eating poison sumac poses serious health risks.
- Severe allergic reactions
- Difficulty breathing
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal pain