A picturesque threat looms on the horizon of the San Gabriel Mountains, growing amidst the charred aftermath of the Eaton fire that scorched over 14,000 acres of the Angeles National Forest in January. This charmingly named poodle-dog bush, with its alluring bell-shaped purple flowers and a fragrance reminiscent of marijuana, conceals a menacing secret beneath its beauty. Contact with this mountain shrub can lead to a severe skin rash, making it a dreaded obstacle for hikers traversing the forest trails.
Plant experts warn that ideal conditions have set the stage for a proliferation of Eriodictyon parryi across the Angeles National Forest, potentially blanketing vast acres of land laced with popular recreation trails for years to come. While a scourge for adventurers, botanists emphasize the vital role this native plant plays in maintaining the delicate ecosystem of the region.
Embarking on a journey through the San Gabriel Mountains, Cameron Hummels, an experienced runner and hiker, recounts his harrowing encounter with the poodle-dog bush. During a snow-laden trek to the summit of Mt. Wilson in 2020, the Pasadena resident unknowingly brushed against the hidden menace buried beneath the icy surface. Days later, his legs erupted in a fiery rash, marked by redness, itching, oozing, and blistering, leaving him in discomfort for weeks.
Despite its potent effects, the poodle-dog bush remains relatively unknown compared to household names like poison oak and ivy, primarily due to its limited geographic range and transient existence. Thriving in the chaparral between 3,300 to 7,500 feet in Southern California, this shrub requires specific conditions to germinate, lying dormant until wildfires or other disturbances trigger its growth. The aftermath of recent fires, including the Eaton, Hughes, Bridge, and Line fires, has provided the perfect canvas for the poodle-dog bush to emerge and spread its toxic influence.
Esther Lewis, a botanist with the U.S. Forest Service, reveals that the poodle-dog bush’s purple flowers and whimsical appearance often entice hikers to approach for a closer look, unaware of the potential consequences. Contact with the plant’s hairs and glandular secretions can lead to an itchy rash, likened to the effects of poison oak and ivy but often more severe. These symptoms can manifest hours or days after exposure, spreading through contact with contaminated clothing and lingering on the skin.
With recent rains nurturing the forest floor, Tim Becker, director of horticulture at the Theodore Payne Foundation, anticipates the emergence of poodle-dog and other fire followers, signaling the gradual return of life to the scorched landscape. While the shrubs may not bloom immediately, they are expected to flourish in the spring of 2026, continuing the cycle of growth and renewal after the fires that ravaged the region.
Carson Blaker, a trail restoration volunteer, warns that the poodle-dog bush is poised to impact popular trails like Idlehour, Castle Canyon, and Mt. Wilson, posing a challenge for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. Despite efforts to mitigate its presence on trails, completely eradicating the plant remains a daunting task, as seen in the dense thickets along the Valley Forge Trail.
As closures persist in the Angeles National Forest due to recent fires, the looming threat of the poodle-dog bush remains a concern for future trail-goers. Lewis emphasizes the importance of avoiding contact with the plant, as its rapid spread could potentially cover thousands of acres, transforming the landscape into a sea of purple blooms. Trail users are advised to stay vigilant, recognize the plant’s distinctive features, and take precautions to prevent exposure, such as wearing long clothing and staying on designated trails.
In the event of contact, experts recommend treating the affected skin promptly with a degreaser and washing contaminated clothing separately to prevent further spread. Despite the discomfort caused by the poodle-dog bush, conservationists like Naomi Fraga stress its ecological significance, serving as a vital component of the natural recovery process after wildfires.
While debates continue regarding the impact of climate change on the proliferation of the poodle-dog bush, the resilience of this native plant underscores its role in the intricate tapestry of the Southern California ecosystem. As adventurers prepare to venture back into the wilds of the Angeles National Forest, the looming presence of the poodle-dog bush serves as a stark reminder of nature’s delicate balance and the enduring struggle between beauty and danger in the wilderness.
