Every part of the tree contains urushiol oil, which causes an allergic reaction to skin. The most common cause of allergic reactions in the United States is contact with poison sumac (Toxicodendron vernix), poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) and poison oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum), according to the University of Illinois Health Services. Chances are if your horse snatches a mouthful of red maple or oak leaves while trail riding, it won't be harmed. . Sumac can also replace an animal's natural habitat, forcing them to find other areas to live. These attachments are compatible with compact heavy equipment like skid-steers. While the roots are relatively shallow and may only reach about 10 inches underground, many sumac species tend to spread rapidly. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. 1 Are African sumac trees poisonous to animals? display: block; Sumacs are identified by their fern-like pinnate leaves, conical clusters (panicles) of white or green flowers, and fuzzy red berries. My dog ate african sumac. Pine Trees Poison Ivy Poison Oak Poplar Trees Poison Sumac, the vine It interacts with dendritic cells (also called cells of Langerhans) of the immune system. The fruit and leaves of the poison sumac plant contain urushiol, an oil that causes an allergic rash upon contact with skin. Every part of the tree contains urushiol oil, which causes an allergic reaction to skin. Another native plant that people love to hate is the staghorn sumac (Rhus typhina). display: block; In the fall, all the sumacs are beautiful, with foliage colors of magnificent maroon to red and oranges and touches of yellow. Some people are more sensitive to the plants and will have harsher symptoms. The dried fruits are used in spices, the leaves and bark have been used in the leather tanning process, and various dyes can be made from different parts of the plant. } The fungus, Verticillium dahliae, remains in the soil for years until a plant that is susceptible to it is planted. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. Invasive sumac can thrive in various soil types and has low moisture requirements. Female African sumacs bear berry-like fruits that create a mess when they fall from the tree. Now, however, we are getting back to discovering the truth behind this plant. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Sumac can either be a dioecious shrub or a small tree. Gardeners in arid climates enjoy this tree for its drought tolerance and ornamental quality that its thin leaved canopy brings to the yard. They feast on these with no apparent ill effects. Even the poisonous species have beautiful fall color. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. .hhcmp640434353aca4 { The African sumac is a poor choice for planting next to a sidewalk or driveway, if you plant a female tree. Wear protective clothing, including gloves, thick or water-proof clothing, goggles, a face mask, and boots. Staghorn sumac is not to be confused with poison sumac. Dogs and cats that brush through poison sumac can transfer the oil from their coats to their owners. Garlic Planting Secrets Of Fall Gardeners, 7 Startling And Life-Changing Health Benefits Of Beets, Autumn Leaves: Miracle Mulch For Your Spring Garden, Natural Japanese Beetle Repellants For Your Garden, 10 Flowers That Will Attract Colorful Butterflies To Your Garden, 4 Easy Winter Tasks For An Abundant Spring Garden, Desert or little leaf Sumac, Rhus Microphyllia. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); @media screen and (min-width: 1201px) { Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Share : Email; Facebook; Twitter . Unless you are growing an African sumac in the southern California desert, Texas root rot should not be a problem, because the fungus does not appear to reach northern areas, notes New Mexico State University. Their fur protects their skin from contact with the oils, and some animals can even eat the plant without suffering ill effects. In terms of allergic reactions, it can be worse than poison ivy or poison oak. Diamond Mowers offers a wide variety of attachments to efficiently manage sumac overgrowth. You are here: Home. Also known as velvet sumac due to its soft, fuzzy twigs, staghorn sumac is familiar to most people. Both plants can be responsible for a nasty rash that you wouldnt wish upon anyone. The rash itself is not contagious but, if the urushiol oil is still on your clothes, dog or backpack, it can still give you a rash. berries featured foraging plant poisonous sumac Za-atar. This tree can grow to 40 feet and consumes a fair amount of water. The fine textured foliage of smooth, leathery leaves is dark olive-green above and . 3 comments When sumac grows rampant and begins to destroy vegetation and land, it can disrupt the surrounding wildlife's natural ecosystem. If you intend to do it yourself, you need to take some precautions. This evergreen is an invasive species when added to cultivated gardens, and this is because the small to medium-sized tree can grow between 6 - 9 m tall, crowding out native trees as a result. Urushiol is made up of several cytotoxic oils. Sumac clusters are called drupes. My dog ate a leaf from an african sumac tree. sumac tree (rhus) with big red flowers in garden, 18 Great Rubber Tree Varieties to Grow Indoors or Outdoors, 7 Great Flowering Trees For North Carolina. Examples of environmental damage caused by sumac include: If gone unchecked, sumac can quickly outgrow its area and overtake and displace other vegetation. Indeed, the plants are somewhat closely related, both being in the same family. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. New Survival Herb Bank Gives You Access to Gods Amazing Medicine Chest. } Poison sumac ( Toxicodendron vernix) is a native plant that grows exclusively in very wet or flooded soils, usually in swamps and peat bogs. } display: block; They are beautiful trees that can contribute form and color to a landscape. But it is also the genus of maligned poison ivy and poison sumac. If youve spotted the telltale signs of invasive sumac, its important to act quickly. We use cookies to personalize content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyze our traffic. What size can a poison sumac tree grow? 2 How can you tell if a sumac tree is poisonous? Water alone will not remove urushiol oil from your pet's fur. The tree drops its leaves when it is water stressed, has a fungal disease like root rot or from being over fertilized. Answer: Yes the tree is poisonous to dogs. @media screen and (max-width: 767px) { African sumacs are poisonous to humans. All of these plants contain urushiol, an oil that absorbs rapidly into the skin, causing an allergic reaction in 12 to 48 hours in susceptible individuals. Gardeners must monitor their African sumac for sucker growth and keep their pruning saw ready. There are numerous types of sumac trees, including evergreen and deciduous plants. They are tall plants and can reach up to thirty feet in height. Prune just after the plants finish flowering in late summer. So all parts of the tree contain the urushiol oil to which. Its . If this is not allowed, you can douse the plant in herbicide and bury it in a hole that is at least three feet deep. The primary symptom of sumac poisoning is allergic dermatitis. Contact with the sap may cause burning, swelling and pain. Uncategorized. Signs of poisoning Female African sumacs bear berry-like fruits that create a mess when they fall from the tree. Poison ivy and poison sumac are like the bad guy in the movie at his murderous worst. This fungus is commonly found throughout the Southwestern United States in alkaline soil with a low amount of organic matter. Be aware that urushiol can rub off on inanimate objects, such as your clothes. Consider this if you want to use this tree as a wind break. Poison ivy can actually appear as a plant, a vine, or even a shrub or small tree. The red fruits are a distinctive characteristic of Rhus plants such as staghorn sumac. Deer, small mammals and numerous species of birds consume sumac berries from both smooth and fragrant sumac. African sumacs are poisonous to humans. Poison sumac is a plant that grows in swamps and wet areas in the eastern United . The African sumac is a poor choice for planting next to a sidewalk or driveway, if you plant a female tree. Plants that produce toxins and/or causes irritation on contact are referred to as poisonous plants. Every part of the tree contains urushiol oil, which causes an allergic reaction to skin. To harvest sumac, locate the desirable clusters that are the brightest color on the tree or bush. Urushiol is rapidly absorbed by the skin within a few minutes. per stem. Maple Trees, leaves & bark - (goats will readily strip the bark and kill the tree) NOT Red Maples (Red Maples can be toxic) Marijuana-in moderation Mint Moss Mulberry (entire plant) Nettles Nightshade - appears on both lists. Poison sumac is a deciduous shrub or small tree, so its leaves turn red in the autumn and drop off. Staghorn Sumac has leaves that have a hairy leaf stem and rachis, the stem that the leaflets are attached to. Later the rash develops blisters and may cause intense itching. An African Sumac tree is perfect for hot, dry, climates and for anyone that is looking for an attractive shade tree with a long lifespan. Answer: If your dog eats african sumac take them to the vet immediately. Antihistamine pills can also help with the itching. The staghorn, winged, and smooth sumac are some popular choices for plants that display magnificent autumn colors. The fungus that causes verticillium wilt does attack African sumacs. All parts of poison sumac -- stems, leaves and roots -- contain urushiol. Poison Ivy, poison oak and poison sumac are all related to the edible kind of sumac, but all look different. While many sumacs are trees, some grow as shrubs, and some can be grown as either. Contact: Bob (at) OffTheGridNews.com Phone: 815-902-6086 2200 Illinois Route 84 Thomson, Illinois 61285. 7 What are the cons of planting an African sumac tree? Contact us to learn about our product offerings and receive more helpful tips for stopping invasive sumac. It gained some notoriety as the species featured in the book A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, by Betty Smith. Same as in spring . Ingesting the leaves or needles, wood or bark of these trees can be fatal. are african sumac trees poisonous to animals . Chop off trespassing suckers, shoots and stems as close to the ground as possible. 1. The tree drops its leaves when it is water stressed, has a fungal disease like root rot or from being over fertilized. Push through a medium-mesh strainer to separate any remaining sticks and seeds. Am I gonna give my porcupine a weird rash? Gardeners should never handle the tree without gloves and keep children away from the plant. Gardeners should never handle the tree without gloves and keep children away from the plant. 26 Feb Feb } If poison sumac is burnt, the smoke irritates the lungs causing fluid in the lungs and inflammation that can be fatal. Poison sumac is a shrub or tree. Are Blue Star Junipers Poisonous to Dogs. What should I do if my dog eats african sumac? If you think a rash is bed, it is nothing compared to the harmful effects this tree can cause in the lungs. The African sumac reacts to low-water conditions by dropping foliage; if water is abundant, it grows more leaves and branches. The flower clusters produce berrylike drupes that turn red in autumn and last well into winter where they serve as tasty snacks for wildlife. Symptoms of poisoning include vomiting diarrhea drooling shaking tremors seizures and death. All Rights Reserved. African sumacs are poisonous to humans. Trees and shrubs in the genus Rhus grow between 3 and 33 ft. (1 10 m). Identification However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. All parts of the African sumac tree are poisonous to dogs including the leaves stems flowers and berries. Sumacs are identified by their fern-like pinnate leaves, conical clusters (panicles) of white or green flowers, and fuzzy red berries. Younger plants are more toxic than older plants; however, plants in the seed stage in late summer are especially toxic because of the high alkaloid content of the seeds. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. The African sumac, for instance, usually is a tall tree that can grow to as high as 25 feet, usually living 50 to 100 years. Sumac trees have been given a bad reputation because of one tree in the species. Its fine textured foliage varies from pale green to deep olive-green and has a resinous smell when crushed. long (10 cm), in clusters of three. Native to southern Africa; very drought tolerant once established. Is the staghorn sumac plant poisonous to humans? Poison sumac causes a painful, long-lasting rash that is difficult to treat. The difference between poison and harmless sumac is most noticeable in the berries on the two plants. Most sumac plants are not poisonous, but there are a few species that can be harmful if ingested. While very common, staghorn sumac isnt dangerous to most people. According to the University of Arizona, African sumac trees are evergreen trees that came to the United States from South Africa. This would present as redness, swelling, itching, and burning of the skin. POISON SUMAC, all parts. Some contain compounds that can kill, even in small doses. Even a few bits of poisonous plant matter can kill if ingested. Most sumac trees are not poisonous and can be enjoyed for their wonderful foliage and fruit. One such plant is poison sumac, a deciduous, woody shrub or small tree. By blocking the sunlight, sumac trees may also prevent new plants and vegetation from growing. Sumac is high in vitamins A and C, as well as being full of antioxidants. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Avocado*- Mexican Avocado leaves/trees such Pinkerton might not be (*note-South American Avocado leaves ARE poisonous) Bamboo. In addition, the tiny green flowers that they come to visit has very little visibility to gardeners and may not even be noticed for all the bee trouble. Publicado en junio 16, 2022 por junio 16, 2022 por Other species that share common ancestors, like poison sumac (Toxicodendron vernix, formerly Rhus vernix) and the Chinese lacquer tree (Toxicodendron vernicifluum, formerly Rhus vernicifera) are very poisonous for most humans and pets. The toxins in poisonous plants . African sumacs are poisonous to humans. } African sumac planted near a wall flowering in February: A. Place into a strainer and sift. Use a herbicide to treat the remaining stump so that it does not regrow. If you suspect your dog has ingested any part of an African sumac tree seek veterinary care immediately. Are African sumac trees poisonous to animals? Unfortunately, not every gardener is thrilled by the African sumac tree's presence in their landscape. A rash that includes oozing blisters will spread over the area exposed to the poison sumac tree. ground sumac spilled from a spice jar - sumac tree stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images The notion that the rash is contagious arose because the oils remain on the persons skin or clothing and can be transferred to other people or animals through direct contact. If the oil has been absorbed, then cleaning the area will not be of any help. Written by: Kristen Duever How-To 2 Comments.WP-PrintIcon{margin-bottom:-3px}Print This Article, Staghorn sumac. Late winter ushers in African sumac's blooming period. Id avoid planting it where puppies might be tempted to nibble on the foliage or berries it produces. Many sumac trees are non-toxic. Stroking a pet that has come in contact with poison sumac or other urushiol-containing plants may cause redness and swelling on your skin in 12 to 48 hours. It's a good idea to avoid entirely any plants that can poison your animals (or children). Wear rubber gloves and give your pet a bath using plenty of soap. Read More Here. Hairless animals may be more prone to allergic reactions. What kind of tree does poison sumac come from? Share them in the section below: Harness The Power Of Natures Most Remarkable Healer: Vinegar. We have a bunch of trees I have been told are African Sumac. Im a zookeeper, and I want to use the branches as perching for an arboreal porcupine. Observe for problems in swallowing and breathing, and increased drooling. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Home Miscellaneous Quick Answer: Are African Sumac Trees Poisonous To Dogs. Sumac grows in various parts of the world, including temperate climates in Eastern North America. Our browse document has them listed as potentially hazardous as sumacs have been known to give humans rashes. Gardeners should never handle the tree without gloves and keep children away from the plant. If your dogs eat enough of any of your plants, they can get sick. Bentoquatam absorbs urushiol, preventing or lessening an allergic reaction. These plants contain irritating substances known as oxalate salts. } What does an African sumac tree look like? Suckers or water sprouts abundantly grow from African sumacs. are african sumac trees poisonous to animalscabo marina slip rates. Prairie sumac is sometimes planted because of its attractive autumnal colors. Ten of the most common sumac species across the United States include: Invasive sumac causes damage to the surrounding environment by growing quickly and aggressively, threatening local ecosystems and putting a strain on native plants and animals. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Acid on hairs on the berries is used to make an ade. There are three primary methods for getting rid of invasive sumac: Photo Credit: http://www.bobthompson.me/2018/01/november-2017-including-vacation-in.htmlhttps://e360.yale.edu/features/small-pests-big-problems-the-global-spread-of-bark-beetles. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. They include: Staghorn sumac (Rhus typhina): A shrub or small tree that grows from 15 to 25 feet tall and features reddish hairs covering its stems 5 Know what you are looking for, before foraging. Quick Answer: Are Magnolia Trees Poisonous To Dogs, Quick Answer: Are Pine Trees Poisonous To Dogs, Question: Are Christmas Trees Poisonous To Dogs, Quick Answer: Are Dogwood Trees Poisonous To Dogs, Question: Are Any Trees Poisonous To Dogs, Quick Answer: Are Banyan Trees Poisonous To Dogs. Oleander bears profuse flowers in white, salmon, pink or yellow. Approximately 250 species of sumac are known, from all of the continents, and they follow one simple, very handy generalization. Arborvita. There are thirty-five species of sumac trees found in North America. Sumac trees are not generally poisonous to dogs and cats. Native staghorn sumac bears bright red berries in an upright position, while poison sumac has yellowish berries that hang down. Poison Sumac, or Toxicodendron vernix, is a common North American plant that causes skin irritation to people.Like its better-known cousin poison ivy, the green leaves of poison sumac sure to put a damper on an otherwise pleasant camping trip or another outdoor excursion. Note that poison ivy, oak, and sumac are not toxic to dogs and cats if eaten. How can you tell if a sumac tree is poisonous? One of the most common native sumac plants is the Smooth sumac. display: block; The red stems of poison sumac are thin and grow upward, fanning out from the base of the plant. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Are staghorn sumac trees poisonous to dogs? Poison sumac contains the same toxin, urushiol, that's found in poison ivy and poison oak, but the toxin is much more concentrated in poison sumac. These berries are also used as a salad topping, and you can include them in your favorite dressings. White Sumac. Poison Sumac. : Native to California and Arizona, it features large green leaves with white flower clusters. Typically, they are around 4 to 5 millimetres (0.16 to 0.20 in) in size. To prepare edible sumac, you can dip the clusters in water (room-temperature) right after harvesting. If you need to dig out the roots, treat them as carefully as the rest of the plant as they also secrete urushiol. Both male and female trees bear flowers, but the flowers on each will have either male or female parts. } Inhalation of smoke from burning leaves and vines is extremely hazardous. Ranging from 2 to 12 feet tall, skunkbush is sometimes planted for windbreak or erosion control. Process for a few minutes, leaving just the seeds. Your email address will not be published. The spot where you want to plant a tree will make a difference. The very genus name of poison sumac indicates its toxic nature. How to identify. It is organized into three categories; mechanically injurious plants, photosensitizers, and plants poisonous by ingestion. The distinctive spikes of sumac berries are a common sight in winter, persisting long after other trees and shrubs have fallen bare. The tree is poisonous to dogs and can cause symptoms including vomiting diarrhea and tremors. They Grow Everywhere Even slight contact, like brushing up against the leaves, can leave the oil behind. The poison sumac rash looks like streaky patches of red blisters. Is sumac poisonous to animals? The following table contains a list of plants known to poison animals in the United States. How To Purchase The Right Chef Knife That Is Highly Efficient? Are African Sumac Trees Poisonous To Dogs. Some doctors prescribe oral cortisone to counteract the inflammation and swelling of the lymph nodes. Urushiol is present in dead plant parts and can be inhaled if plants are burned. I'd avoid planting it where puppies might be tempted to nibble on the foliage or berries it produces. How can you tell if a sumac tree is poisonous? There are several other species of sumac tree found in Europe, Asia, and Africa. 8 What kind of fungus does African sumac have? African sumac trees have a thick, lush canopy, which is good for a shade tree. Leave them overnight, or until the water turns red. Middle Eastern chefs use sumac as a topping for fattoush salad, and are often sprinkled on hummus to add both color and a zesty flavor. Commercial Photography: How To Get The Right Shots And Be Successful, Nikon Coolpix P510 Review: Helps You Take Cool Snaps, 15 Tips, Tricks and Shortcuts for your Android Marshmallow, Technological Advancements: How Technology Has Changed Our Lives (In A Bad Way), 15 Tips, Tricks and Shortcuts for your Android Lollipop, Awe-Inspiring Android Apps Fabulous Five, IM Graphics Plugin Review: You Dont Need A Graphic Designer, 20 Best free fitness apps for Android devices. Invasive sumac can thrive in various soil types and has low moisture requirements. This uncommon shrub is more closely-related to Poison Ivy with the same rash causing oil in all its parts. Also, suckers make the tree look extremely untidy and can cause them to look uneven. Poison sumac has red stems. People have had to be hospitalized after making the mistake of burning foliage or wood. African sumac is not resistant. Trees begin to boast thousands of tiny green flowers, which attract surrounding bees. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Deer, small mammals and numerous species of birds consume sumac . This condition results in the wilting of the branches, yellowing of the leaves and death of the tree. This sub is a place for questions and discussions of botany at any level. Others contain substances that reduce performance, such as weight loss, weakness, rapid pulse and unthriftiness. Remove and burn the detritus. Alba Mesquite. Poison sumac berries are flattish, waxy and grow separately, while the red berries of staghorn sumac are fused together. Urushiol is extremely potent; the tiniest amount can produce a nasty rash. Mulching, using a disc or drum mulcher, is a quick and effective method for taking on sumac. Image source: tcpermaculture.blogspot.com. This tree has inconspicuous flowers that appear in summer. How can you tell the difference between sumac and poison sumac? Yes, some varieties are poisonous, but many are not, and it's not difficult to distinguish them. If you can afford it, the best option is to contact a professional company to remove the poison sumac. Poison sumac (Toxicodendron vernix) inhabits swamps and other wet areas as well as pinewoods and hardwood forests. What animal eats sumac? Can anyone speak to the toxic nature of Sumac trees? .vtujl640434353add2 { Urushiol is found in other poisonous plants such as poison oak and poison ivy. Red Maple. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Some plants that poisonous to goats are oleander, wild cherry, and lilacs. Answer: Yes you should take your dog to the vet immediately if they ingest any part of the african sumac tree. Za-atar combines sumac and other spices and herbs. Poison sumac is a shrub or small tree differentiated from the common sumac, staghorn sumac (Rhus typhina) growing along U.S. highways and roads in USDA zones 4 through 8, by its leaves and berries. Species with red berries, including smooth and fragrant sumac, produce edible berries, while species with white berries, including poison ivy, have poisonous berries. Ground, dried sumac berries taste great as a spice rub for lamb, fish and chicken. Answer: If you think your dog has eaten african sumac take them to the vet immediately. Also known as Tanners sumac or Sicilian sumac, this species has a number of historical practical uses. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". @media screen and (min-width: 769px) and (max-width: 992px) { The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. Poison sumac is toxic thanks to the compound called . Birds and small animals are often attracted to the fruit or drupes produced by sumac trees. Do you have any tips for foraging sumac? Can Plants Release Toxins that Are Poisonous to Humans? These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. But staghorn sumac is not poisonous. : Also known as stink bush and scented sumac emits a strong smell when crushed. Many of these trees, bushes or shrubs won't be attractive to your horse. Sumac is a fairly common plant, and you were probably taught for years that it is poisonous and should be avoided. } Every part of the tree contains urushiol oil, which causes an allergic reaction to skin. .hhcmp640434353aca4 { display: block; Also, each stem on the poison sumac plant has a cluster of leaflets with smooth edges, while harmless sumac leaves have jagged edges. But, during drought, when pasture grass is sparse, your horse might snack on the trees despite the taste. Female African sumacs bear berry-like fruits that create a mess when they fall from the tree. It's only humans and our overactive immune systems that take issue with it. If you see these symptoms take your dog to the vet immediately. The African sumac is a medium size evergreen tree growing with a low branching habit, 20-30 ft. tall, and a round canopy of equal or greater width. That said it's possible African sumac won't give even us a rash. Sumac aggressively reproduces through seeds and grows in dense thickets, cutting off other plants' access to vital nutrients. The individual that has been exposed to poison sumac will have painful swollen lymph nodes. The most obvious difference is that poison sumac has white berries, not red berries. So foragers, with this knowledge of sumac, grab your pruners and enjoy the harvest. Apple. Native to South Africa, Searsia lancea (African Sumac) is a small to medium-sized evergreen tree with a rounded, wide spreading canopy and gracefully weeping foliage. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. Angel Wing Bigoneas. Every part of the tree contains urushiol oil, which causes an allergic reaction to skin. } Key Features:Rounded or Umbrella Shape. Good Evergreen Trees to Plant in a Front Yard in Full Sun, Easy-to-Care-for Ornamental Trees for Landscape, Missouri Botanical Gardens: Verticillium Wilt, New Mexico State University: Phymatotrichum Root Rot.
Does Inspection Period Include Weekends In Florida, Alkaline Lake North Dakota Fishing Report, The Crucible Act 2 Quiz Fill In The Blanks, Custom Vuse Alto Skins, Articles A