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PLEASE NOTE:
"Poisonous" does not mean deadly. Some manifestations of toxicity are subtle. The dose, as always, determines if a plant is safe source of nutrients or a toxic hazard.

Frequently (and not so frequently) Asked Questions

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BRIEF: Have you ever heard of poison sumac being used as a filler in peet moss?


QUESTION:
Have you ever heard of poison sumac being used as a filler in peet moss? I am a toxicologist, and a woman said she spread this stuff in her yard, (not potting soil, apparently some fungus may be associated with this?) and got this burning sensation and has classic poison sumac symptoms.

ANSWER:
The roots from poison ivy can be extensive and could be found running under peat moss, I guess and certainly are found in gardens where one might work the peat moss in by hand. Some people have been severely injured ripping out anonymous roots with no poison ivy in sight, only to find the roots were connected to vines running up trees some distance away. Wear gloves when digging around in the soil!