Sumac

Sumac (Rhus glabra):

There are three common sumac species in our areas:  staghorn, smooth and poison.  Forget the poison variety.  Unless you are an inveterate swamper it is unlikely you will contact with it.  Smooth is common, staghorn is commoner. Staghorn derives its name from its furry branches that resemble a buck’s antlers in velvet.  The smooth sumac has no such furriness.

The bright red flowers are clumped into spindle shaped clumps.  These are high in pectin and can be used to make jelly and tea.  In either case, just know that you will get your year’s quota of insect protein.  These flower heads are home to many insects.