Poison Oak: Friend or Foe?!?

Morning, pilgrims. I'm Mrs. Pollywog, and I am here at the William B. Ida Dovey State Historic Park. What a lush territory we have here. Why, it's a veritable jungle, right along the banks of the Sacramento River. I think I'll pick some greens to go with my peppers for dinner. Stop right there, Mrs. Pollywog. Why, Mr. McLaren, you gave me quite a surprise. Oh, I apologize for the stern greeting, but you were about to put yourself in harm's way. Oh, but I was just going to pick some greens for my... Oh, Mrs. Pollywog, even gently running your hand across that plant could give you a most unfavorable rash. You mean this seemingly harmless, verdant plant could cause me discomfort? Yes, Mrs. Pollywog, that is the dreaded poison oak. Poison oak? Yes, ma'am, and it may look like something for your dinner, but that is an ornery plant that is not to be tangled with. Why, oh my lands, we should get this evil scourge out. We should call the sheriff, should we not? Not so fast, not so fast. It is not helpful to humans, but that doesn't mean it's not helpful to other animals. Did you not just say that it was poison? Yes, Mrs. Pollywog, but it's not poison to every animal. Birds eat the berries, and deer eat the green leaves. Are you pulling the longbow on me, Mr. McLaren? No, Mrs. Pollywog, I've seen birds gobble down the berries, and I've seen the brown sticks of deer eating the green leaves completely off. You don't say. No, I do say, Mrs. Pollywog, that some animals even use it for shelter and building nests. Oh, so, if I'm looking for it, and I certainly want to avoid it myself, then I am looking for a green bush? We'll not beat around the bush here, Mrs. Pollywog. Poison oak is widespread throughout the West, and can grow as a bush, a vine, or even ground cover. But it looks so much like regular oak. How am I to keep from going crazy as a bed bug watching for it? Now, now, calm down, Mrs. Pollywog. Shiny poison oak leaves grow in leaves of three. There's an old saying, leaves of three, let it be. Leaves of three, let it be. Oh, leaves of three, let it be. Dare I say, some folks even say, leaves of three, let it be, with two leaves kissing, and one leaf running away. Two leaves meet together at the stem, with one leaf running away. Why, Mr. McLaren, but I do see your point, and appreciate your keen identification. Leaves of three, let it be, with two leaves kissing, and one leaf running away. And there's more to know here. Just as the seasons change, so does poison oak. In the springtime, the leaves are shiny and green. In the summer and fall, they're a brownish-orange. And in the winter, there are no leaves, just bare stems. But do not be fooled. Just the oil from the bare stems can cause a rash reaction that makes some folks fatty with itch. Why, after your schooling, I reckon I can avoid the poison oak, and leave it for the animals to make their homes and consume. Why, I have turned over a new leaf, Mr. McLaren. I did not know beans about poison oak, and you have saved me a world of hurt. Well, the pleasure was mine to help a friend on the frontier. Well, good day, Mr. McLaren. Good day to you, Mrs. Pollywog. Leaf of three, let it be. Leaf of three, let it be.