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Does "leaves of three, let it be" help you spot poison sumac?

No, poison sumac usually has clusters of 7 to 13 leaves.

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  1. Yes, sumac has three leaves
  2. Yes, but only in winter
  3. No, sumac has 7 to 13 leaves ✔

Why: NIOSH says the old rhyme helps you spot poison ivy and poison oak, but not poison sumac, which usually has clusters of 7 to 13 leaves.

Huh, didn't know that: NIOSH says these poisonous plants grow throughout the United States except Alaska and Hawaii.

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What did the poison ivy say to the hiker? I've got my rash eye on you.
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References

Answer: No, sumac has 7 to 13 leaves. NIOSH says the old rhyme helps you spot poison ivy and poison oak, but not poison sumac, which usually has clusters of 7 to 13 leaves.

  1. Poisonous Plants (CDC NIOSH) www.cdc.gov/niosh/outdoor-workers/about/poisonous-plants.html
    it does not apply to poison sumac, which usually has clusters of 7-13 leaves.
    Checked 2026-10-12.

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