Can I eat eastern poison oak?
Quick Answer
No
Eating Eastern Poison Oak is highly discouraged as it contains urushiol, a toxic resin that can cause severe allergic reactions.
What Is It?
Eastern Poison Oak, also known as Toxicodendron pubescens, is a plant native to the eastern United States. It contains urushiol, a toxic resin that can cause severe allergic reactions.
How to Tell
Symptoms of ingestion may include severe itching, swelling, and blistering of the skin, difficulty swallowing, and in severe cases, difficulty breathing.
Why It Can Be Risky
Eating Eastern Poison Oak poses significant health risks.
- Severe allergic reactions
- Difficulty swallowing
- Difficulty breathing
- Potential for hospitalization