This low shrub of dry habitats is rare in the Piedmont of North Carolina, much more common in the Coastal Plain, especially in the Sandhills. All parts of the plant cause severe skin irritation in most people. Differs from Poison-Ivy (T. radicans) in that the leaves and drupes have velvety pubescence and it only has a shrub form (Poison-Ivy is normally a vine, but can grow like a shrub). Formerly called Rhus toxicodendron or Toxicodendron toxicarium.

Unripe drupes - they turn white when ripe. Moore Co., NC 6/6/03.

Just beginning to flower.

Moore Co., NC 4/20/05.