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Rhus
Botanical name: Toxicodendron succedaneum
Noxious Weed Category: Class 4
Rhus Management Plan
Special note: This plant can cause severe dermatitis and swelling of the face if any part of the plant makes skin contact with the sap causing the most severe reaction. Other urban plants which can cause similar allergic problems include privet and pellitory
Terminal leaflet detail Source: Weeds of the Hunter & Central Coast
Photo: Ku-ring-gai Council
Description
Originating in China, Japan and Himalayas, Rhus grows as a large deciduous shrub or small deciduous tree up to 8m tall.
Distinguished by compound leaves with 7 to 10 leaflets and a terminal leaflet, turning brilliant red in autumn.
Very small, creamy white, flowering in spring just after the new leaves.
Clusters of pale brown berries (5 to 7mm) turning papery on ripening between May and September.
Dispersal
The fruit is eaten by a wide variety of birds and other animals.
Impact on bushland
Many people suffer allergic reactions when they come into contact with its sap or leaves.
Control Requirements
Individual specimens and small infestations must be completely removed. For more details see the Rhus Management Plan.
Control
Manual:
- Rhus should be handled very carefully. The sap is dangerous, so wear protective clothing.
- Dig out roots after the leaves have fallen.
- Do not burn the dead plant, as the smoke may be dangerous.
See Manual Weed Control Techniques.
Chemical: Please contact your local control authority for advice on chemical control.
Similar species
- Chinese Pistachio (Pistachia chinensis), but Rhus leaves end in a terminal leaflet. Pistachio, an exotic, ends in a terminal pair, Tree of Heaven, Ailanthus altissima, also a weed species. Has no terminal leaflet.
- Native species: Red Cedar (Toona australis) and White Cedar (Melia azedarach) may also be confused with Rhus. Red Cedar has no terminal leaflet. See the Look-a-likes booklet