Environmental Weeds in Sydney North

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Weed control

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Rhus

Botanical Name: Toxicodendron succedaneum
Noxious Weed Category:
CLASS 4 in NSW


Source: Weeds of the Hunter & Central Coast


Terminal leaflet detail
Photo: Ku-ring-gai Council

 
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.

 

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:

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
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.

Suggested Alternatives:

References: