PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Prefers dappled sunlight or partial shade; tolerates full shade but grows more sparsely
Watering
Drought-tolerant; only water during prolonged dry spells when soil is completely dry
Temperature
Hardy to -20°C; tolerates hot summer temperatures up to 35°C
Characteristics
- Leaf: Compound trifoliate leaves with ovate leaflets, fuzzy undersides, and pointed tips
- Flower: Small greenish-yellow clustered blooms in axillary racemes
- Stem: Pubescent (fuzzy) young stems; mature stems become woody and brown
Care Guide
Watering
Rely on natural rainfall; only supplement water during extreme drought
Fertilization
No fertilization required; adapted to low-nutrient soils. Fertilizing may encourage excessive growth and increase contact risk
N/A：Intentional fertilization is not recommended due to the plant's toxic nature and adaptation to low-nutrient environmentsPruning
- Wear heavy protective clothing, gloves, and eye protection to avoid urushiol contact
- Prune only to remove plants that pose a direct safety risk to humans or pets
- Dispose of pruned material in sealed bags; never burn, as urushiol fumes can cause respiratory irritation
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: Urushiol oil causes contact dermatitis; ingestion may lead to gastrointestinal upset including vomiting
Humans: Contains urushiol oil; contact causes severe allergic contact dermatitis in most people
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: Associated with caution and avoidance due to its ability to cause painful allergic reactions
Usage: N/A (not cultivated for ornamental purposes; primarily a wild, native plant)
