c. Poison Sumac. Poison sumac (figure 3-3) grows mostly in the eastern third
of the US and is relatively rare. It is also called swamp sumac, poison dogwood, and thunderwood.
Figure 3-3. Poison sumac.
(1)
Poison sumac grows as woody shrubs or small trees from 5 to 25 feet
tall.
(2) Poison sumac has compound leaves and clusters of small greenish
flowers, succeeded by red, hairy fruits. The leaves grow in pairs except at the tip where
there is a single leaf.
3-3.
INITIATE PREVENTIVE MEASURES
The following measures will help to keep soldiers from becoming casualties due
to contact dermatitis.
a. Be able to identify the plants that cause contact dermatitis.
b. Avoid poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac whenever possible.
c. Avoid selecting bivouac areas that are infested with these plants.
d. Wear gloves and be fully clothed when working in an area likely to have
poisonous plants. Shirt sleeves should be rolled down and buttoned. The shirt or jacket
front, including collar, should be closed and buttoned.
MD0548
3-4