Turricula parryi tempts hikers with lush spikes of purple flowers that bloom between June and August. In favorable locations the leaves cover the stems to the ground, prompting its common name of poodle-dog bush. But touching, even sniffing it causes a delayed rash that sufferers describe as a combination of stinging nettle and poison oak. It is found in burned-over areas in the first few years after a fire.
Poodle-dog bush springs up after fires in the Southern California mountains, offering beautiful purple blossoms. Don't touch or even smell it. (more below)
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