Poison oak - Ask Extension
Does poison oak grow in Michigan?
Knowledgebase
Poison oak #867076
Asked May 05, 2024, 9:38 AM EDT
Does poison oak grow in Michigan?
Eaton County Michigan
Expert Response
Hi Lori,
My understanding is that, no, poison oak does not grow in Michigan.
A quick google shows up a few publications saying that it does. I think people are mis-identifying poison ivy as poison oak. Poison ivy leaves can be variable and it can grow as a shrub or a vine, so people might mistake it for a different species.
We do have poison sumac. Here is a link the UM herbarium information on poison sumac.
And a link to an MSU publication on poison ivy
Take care,