Poison Oak gets its name because its leaves resemble those of an oak tree but it is actually related to the eastern Poison Ivy. This attractive plant secretes an oil highly poisonous to most people. Poison Oak can be found at Clear Creek in the riparian.
Some Native Americans used the oil from the Poison Oak to decorate their utensils and to remove warts and cure ringworm. The stems from the plants were also used to weave their baskets. Common use of the Poison Oak made many Native Americans immune to its poison.