poison dogwood
Definition
Noun 1. A North American swamp shrub: A smooth-barked shrub native to swampy areas of North America, characterized by compound (pinnate) leaves, clusters of greenish flowers, and greenish-white berries. It yields an irritating oil that can cause skin inflammation.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- While hiking through the wetland, we were careful to avoid the poison dogwood.
- The poison dogwood is easily identified by its distinctive leaf structure and pale berries.
- Contact with poison dogwood can result in a severe rash.
Advanced Usage
- As a botanical hazard: The term is often used in ecological, botanical, or outdoor safety contexts to warn of a specific plant hazard, similar to "poison ivy."
- The trail guide included a section on identifying local hazards like poison dogwood.
Variants and Related Words
- Rhus vernix (n): The scientific (Latin) name for poison dogwood.
- Poison sumac (n): The more common name for the same plant species ().
- Swamp sumac (n): Another regional name for this shrub, referencing its habitat.
Synonyms
- Poison sumac: The primary synonym.
- Toxicodendron vernix: The modern scientific synonym.
Notes on Different Meanings
- This term refers specifically to one plant species. It should not be confused with true dogwood trees or shrubs of the genus , which are generally not toxic. The "poison" modifier is critical to its meaning.
Noun
-
smooth American swamp shrub with pinnate leaves and greenish flowers followed by greenish white berries; yields an irritating oil
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