Rhus virens
Rhus virens, commonly known as poison sumac, is a distinctive deciduous shrub native to North American wetlands. Unlike edible sumacs, this species contains urushiol, a potent oil capable of causing severe allergic skin reactions. Understanding its identification and chemical properties is essential for safety in forested and swampy habitats.
- Scientific name: Rhus virens
- Family: Anacardiaceae
- Native range: Northern America
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Sapindales, it is further categorized into the family Anacardiaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic designation is found within the genus Rhus.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Sapindales | WCVP |
| Family | Anacardiaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Rhus | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known by its scientific name Rhus virens, is also identified in certain botanical contexts by its alternative name, Rhus choriophylla, particularly within the Dutch (nl) linguistic classification.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| nl | Rhus choriophylla | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant is primarily located within the Southwestern United States, specifically found in the state of Arizona. Its range extends further into the South-Central United States, where it inhabits parts of New Mexico. Additionally, this species can be found growing across various regions of Texas. Moving south, the plant is widely distributed throughout Mexico, including the central territories. Finally, its geographical presence continues through the northeastern regions of Mexico.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Southwestern U.S.A. | Arizona | WCVP |
| South-Central U.S.A. | New Mexico | WCVP |
| South-Central U.S.A. | Texas | WCVP |
| Mexico | Mexico Central | WCVP |
| Mexico | Mexico Northeast | WCVP |
| Mexico | Mexico Gulf | WCVP |
| Mexico | Mexico Northwest | WCVP |
| Mexico | Mexico Southwest | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, known as Rhus virens or staghorn sumac, exhibits distinct morphological features in its vegetative structures. The stems are particularly characteristic, often being densely covered in soft, velvety hairs that give them a fuzzy texture and a distinctive reddish or grayish appearance. The leaves are compound and alternate, consisting of multiple leaflets that contribute to the plant's lush, spreading canopy.- Total parts
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| stems | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Rhus virens has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include gallic acid, galloylquinic acid, shikimic acid, vanillic acid O-hexoside.
- Total chemicals
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 4
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| gallic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| galloylquinic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| shikimic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| vanillic acid O-hexoside | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |