#Skin #Rash . . .

Despite being a very active #hiker & #backpacker in the past, I've never been affected by #PoisonOak or #PoisonIvy, despite NOT being entirely clear what they looked like in the field, because I simply avoided touching any plant with 3 leaves on it.

If like me, you really didn't know the difference, this article should help you avoid any skin rashes caused by them in the future:

https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2026/05/15/well/poison-ivy-oak-plant-quiz.html?unlocked_article_code=1.jFA.eREE.tFgnppZ5lmrK&smid=url-share

“Poison Oak” — Poison oak leaves transition to fall colors in the deep shade of a redwood forest.

Aspens are not the only plants producing fall color here in California. The ubiquitous poison oak plants become even more red and start to pick up a bit of yellow/brown late in the season. The plant is widespread in wild areas of the state, ranging from coastal bluffs to oak forests to scrub brush, and California hikers soon learn how to identify it. The red leaves are a clue, but the oak shaped leaves in groups of three can mostly confirm it. (Though some wild berry plants have a similar appearance — but their stems have thorns, which are lacking on poison oak.)…continues: https://gdanmitchell.com/2024/10/14/poison-oak-2/

#poisonoak #Plants #redwoodforest #bigsur #nature #photography