The Pleasure: Animist Encounters with Poison Oak

Toxicodendron diversilobum is the scientific name for one nature’s most commonly despised plants: poison oak. A literal brush with this potential nuisance has left many disgruntled and even in anguish. This zine explores this plant, exploring its history and answering questions about the mysteries that the plant still holds that haven’t been uncovered by Native American wisdom or settler colonist experiences. Like how is it that this plant is able to adapt and thrive in many environments? How it is that a rash can return even long after initial exposure on its own. Why are some people seemingly immune to its effects? Most interestingly, it explores the question of if the plant has an intelligence beyond our current comprehension. The zine looks at the roles this plant has held over time, from a prickly guardian, a warning guard, and a paragon of the wild.