Rhus virens
Rhus virens
Safety & Hazards
The genus Rhus is being treated in its strict sense here, so it excludes the many species with highly toxic and irritant sap (these are included in Toxicodendron). Although the two genera are very similar, it is relatively simple to distinguish which is which, the poisonous species (Toxicodendron) have axillary panicles and smooth fruits whilst non-poisonous species (Rhus) have compound terminal panicles and fruits covered with acid crimson hairs[ 1 Title RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Publication Author F. Chittendon. Publisher Oxford University Press Year 1951 ISBN - Description Comprehensive listing of species and how to grow them. Somewhat outdated, it has been replaced in 1992 by a new dictionary (see [ 200 ]). , 4 Title A Modern Herbal. Publication Author Grieve. Publisher Penguin Year 1984 ISBN 0-14-046-440-9 Description Not so modern (1930's?) but lots of information, mainly temperate plants. ]. Whilst the genus Rhus in this treatment is generally seen as having a non-toxic sap there are some suggestions that the sap of some species in the genus (including this one) can cause a skin rash in susceptible people.
Botanical Description
Rhus virens is an evergreen shrub with a rounded form and spreading branches; it can grow up to 3.5 metres tall. The lower branches often touch the ground[ 149 Title Trees of Central Texas. Publication Author Vines. R. A. Publisher University of Texas Press Year 1987 ISBN 0-292-78958-3 Description A good concise guide, it gives details of habitats and some of the uses of trees growing in Texas. ]. Although an evergreen, the leaves easily turn a maroon colour with the onset of cold in the winter, and then fall just before the new leaves appear in spring[ 423 Title Desert Tropicals Publication Author Website http://www.desert-tropicals.com/ Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description The main focus of the site is succulent plants, but it also contains information on a wide range of other species. Usually at least one good photograph, plus basic information about the plant and its cultivation. ]. The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of materials.