The Staghorn and Smooth Sumac likes well drained hilly areas, though they are often by water - just not in standing water or soaked land. They are amazing plants for pollinators and overlooked by almost everyone! Add some mulch around them each fall - leaves from the rest of the surrounding yard is a great way to get rid of them and mulch these. Characteristics: Winged sumac and smooth sumac are two common and closely related woody plants in Oklahoma.They are members of the family Anacardiaceae, which also includes cashews, pistachios, mango, poison ivy and poison sumac.Each has compound leaves that turn bright red or orange in the fall. Fruit clusters slightly looser, more likely to droop or lean. The Staghorn and Smooth Sumac likes well drained hilly areas, though they are often by water - just not in standing water or soaked land. Smooth sumac occurs in open woods, brushy areas along roadsides, and fencerows. belong to the same family. Geographic Distribution Leave for a month or so. Cut below the cluster with a sharp knife, pruners or sharp, strong scissors and take inside to use. It is only located in very wet areas. All Photographs Copyright © 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 David G. Mills except where noted.*. The Staghorn and Smooth Sumac likes well drained hilly areas, though they are often by water - just not in standing water or soaked land. admin 30.12.2019 0 Comments Contents. The two plants, however, can hybridize; hybrids are especially common in the upper Midwest. For lemonade I pick the good berries from each head, pour room-temp water over them, mash with a large spoon (I use a potato masher), and steep about 15-30 min. Seeds: You can start a Sumac from seed, but it is not just planting it in the ground. Next, take the seeds and mix with some damp but not wet peat moss and put in a sealed freezer bag in the fridge - not freezer. Tends to have a shrubbier habit. part 1 of two part article by Kathleen Keeler (By: Richtid CC BY-SA 3.0), Smooth Sumac (Rhus glabra) male flower panicle. You’ll see a large grouping of these shrubs growing in one spot. The roots are shallow, so 20 cm (10 inches) deep is good enough. Make sure you know what a Poison Sumac (Toxicodendron vernix) looks like. However, on close inspections of stems, buds, fruit pods and trunk, you can tell the difference. Try to get as big diameter around the Sumac as possible. Tree of Heaven is an invasive and extremely aggressive in growth and proliferation. I use smooth sumac which is similar to staghorn except the berries are smooth without the “hairs”. The ads on the site help cover the cost of maintaining the site and keeping it available. Water well and keep wet for the first year if done in spring. No hair on twigs.. WHITE, smooth berries in loose clusters, sometimes hanging downward. smooth sumac This plant can be weedy or invasive according to the authoritative sources noted below.This plant may be known by one or more common names in different places, and some are listed above. Viburnums: Nannyberry, Highbush Cranberries & Others, USGS Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center, GNU Free Documentation License, Version 1.2, Interactive USDA distribution map and plant profile, The Biota of North America Program (BONAP) distribution map. Wild Foods Home Garden Logo Copyright © 2017 David G. Mills. Oval-shaped. Winged sumac occurs in glades, upland prairies, savannas, openings of upland forests, and open disturbed areas. without written permission from the author. The new growth has the purplish color. Keeps for a day or two without a problem. Male flower panicles come out in June/July. Poison Sumac: How to Identify It, and What to Do if You’ve Been Exposed. Staghorn sumac (Rhus typhina), at top, has fuzzy fruit and stems and is named “staghorn” because the fuzzy fruit spike resembles a stag’s horn in velvet. A thicket-forming, drought-tolerant shrub or small tree, native to a wide range across North America. The twigs on poison sumac are smooth; those on staghorn sumac are covered in tiny hairs. Unique Stems and Twigs: Staghorn sumac has velvet (hairy) twigs and smooth sumac has no hair but instead a fine white powder that is easily removed when touched. (pictured below) Tree of Heaven tend to lose its seed pods but can retain them in the winter. Smooth sumac occurs from Saskatchewan to Maine, south to Florida and west to Texas. Male flower panicles come out in June/July. You can see where the leaf was attached. Shining sumac (Rhus copallina) is easily identified by its winged stems. To be safe, DO NOT touch a Sumac unless you see the red berry clusters like in the included picture below. Sparser growth habit, often letting ample light through. The berry clusters are beautiful to look at, and actually make a nice drink. There isn't much else to do for them. (Pictured below) Staghorn Sumac tends to have less pubescence. Open uplands, including old fields, clearings, and roadsides, but in slightly differnt ranges. You have to either cut the hard shell without damaging the seed inside, or bring a pot of water to a boil, turn off, toss the seeds in, and leave until the water cools. Smooth sumac (Rhus glabra) is a native, deciduous shrub. The tree likes Sun to slight shade at the location and the soil should be sandy to loamy. Cover around the new tree with about 5-7.5 cm (2-3 inches) of mulch. You can also start it by seed or transplanting a small one. In comparison with Staghorn Sumac, R. typhina, the individual red berries of smooth sumac appear more like distinct individual berries without so many hairs. Soil & Site: If you have alkaline soil, your better bet is the Smooth Sumac. All Drawings Copyright © 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 David G. Mills except where noted. Tree of Heaven, Ailanthus altissima and Staghorn Sumac, Rhus typhina, can be difficult to differentiate in the winter months. (NOTE: If you are not interested in growing Staghorn and Smooth Sumac, but just finding the berries, try going to the Nature's Restaurant Online site Staghorn and Smooth Sumac page.). Rub the berries around with your hands, then let soak for about half an hour. Staghorn Sumac (Rhus typhina) and the Smooth Sumac (Rhus glabra). Berries are slightly larger in Staghorn. In this one location a similar-looking tree also grows, called Tree of Heaven, which serves no utilitarian purpose. The Poison Sumac likes very damp or wet land. Harvesting: In the late summer to early fall the clusters of berries will be bright red and ready to pick. If you find the mix you made too sharp, just dilute with cold water. Part sun, part shade would be best, but if no shade where they are transplanted to, cover them from direct mid-day sun after transplanting. This may not be reproduced in any form, in whole or in part, Search Wild Foods Home Garden & Nature's Restaurant Websites: Close up of perfect Staghorn Sumac berries (called drupes) on this cluster (called a panicle) ripe for picking (which I did with this one). Anacardiaceae Family: Staghorn sumac is a U.S. native, deciduous, large shrub to small tree that can attain a height of 30-35 feet. Like anything you have never had before, make sure you have very little at first to make sure you aren't allergic. Twigs and petioles hairless and with a pale waxy coating. Transplanting: Transplanting is straight forward. Don't bother with anything that looks like a Sumac if it is damp or wet in the area until you see the red berry clusters. Habitat and Range . This picture clearly shows why it is called the Staghorn - the fuzzy branch looks like a deer stag's antler - see the picture below this one. Staghorn sumac leaves and flowers. Smooth sumac (Rhus glabra), above, is smooth just like its name. Tree of heaven is native to China and has naturalized throughout much of the U.S. Don't bother with anything that looks like a Sumac if it is damp or wet in the area until you see the red berry clusters. Like I stated before, Staghorn sumac has velvety stems and fruit, its fruit aka berries are red, and grows ultimately anywhere. The fragrant sumac is very similar, but has only 3 leaflets and yellow flowers (Kindscher 1987: 191). Uncommon. Smooth Sumac (Rhus glabra) early in the season. The leaflets are narrowed or rounded at the base and sharply pointed at the tip with finely serrated edges. After planting, cover the ground with mulch to help keep the soil moist. Sumac is a plant that we want to encourage growing on the lane down to the highway. There is significant variety in size and form in the genus, but Rhus glabra, smooth sumac, and Rhus typhina, staghorn sumac, are two of the larger forms that can be grown as small trees. Don't transplant very little ones, or really large ones. Smooth Sumac Berries. Staghorn sumac, Rhus typhina, very similar to smooth sumac, is native to the eastern US. Smooth and staghorn sumac are very similar in appearance, but are usually easily distinguished by the presence or absence of hairs along stems. Smooth Sumac and Staghorn Sumac are common "roadside" plants in North America. (Staghorn) Densely hairy. It can tolerate any soil type. Put in a hole and cover with the soil from the hole mixed with composted manure or compost. It is one of the primary native woody nuisances that moves into prairies in Missouri, where its dense colonies eliminate other native species. Smaller average and maximum size, both height and trunk diameter. The Smooth Sumac and Shining Sumac are smooth both on the twigs and the fruits. It doesn't matter which one - the Staghorn or Smooth Sumac, as they are the same from an eating perspective. Take the mix and pour into a clean coffee filter over a pot, or through a clean and well rinsed tea towel. Originally the content in this site was a book that was sold through Amazon worldwide. Staghorn Sumac also can form large colonies from aggressive root suckers, something too many homeowners have discovered after buying one of the horticultural varieties offered in the garden trade. DH husband used to be able to bushwhack the stuff and come out with nothing. (Below) The base of the trunk on Sumac tends to be smooth. Poison sumac, on the other hand, first of all isn't as common. Denser growth habit, often letting less light through. Twigs: (Smooth) Hairless. However, the flowers can really help if you want to keep (Sumac) or pitch (Tree of Heaven). Both can do well in soils that are a little acidic to neutral. Two similar native trees are red cedar (Toona ciliata) and pencil cedar (Polyscias murrayi ).The noxious weed rhus (Toxicodendron succedaneum) is a similar but smaller tree, with smaller compound leaves which do not have a gland on each leaflet. (By: Aha GNU Free Documentation License, Version 1.2), Red deer stag velvet on antler. Bark: (Both) Brown, smooth possible becoming scaly. before straining. The Poison Sumac likes very damp or wet land. Staghorn Sumac Growing to the Left of Tree of Heaven Unlike the staghorn sumac, it has smooth, hairless stems and fruit. The leaves are similar looking to the Staghorn Sumac, and especially the Smooth Sumac at first glance - they are compound leaves. These were found mid August, and are usually good right into late September.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'wildfoodshomegarden_com-leader-1','ezslot_7',109,'0','0'])); Staghorn Sumac (Rhus typhina) growth early in the season. and making sumacade. (By: Brosen CC BY-SA 3.0). That fuzz is the source of the name staghorn; the … Averages taller and can reach 40 feet in height; more likely to have a tree-like habit. Smooth and staghorn sumac are very similar in appearance, but are usually easily distinguished by the presence or absence of hairs along stems. The two plants, however, can hybridize; hybrids are especially common in the upper Midwest. Smooth Sumac vs Staghorn Sumac. Recipe search on the web here (Google search) and here (Bing search). (By: Superior National Forest Attribution 2.0 Generic), Smooth Sumac (Rhus glabra) drupe panicle (berry cluster). Identifying Sumac: Poisonous vs. harmless I don't know that I have mentioned, but poisonous plants and I DO NOT get along well. These will not turn into the edible berry clusters - those are female. Most likely the one you transplant will be a root sucker from a larger one nearby, so cut that root as far from the one you are transplanting as you can. Dwarf sumac can have the same number of leaflets as poison sumac, but the leaf stalk has “wings”, as show in figure 3, in keeping with its alternate name, winged sumac. However, on close inspections of stems, buds, fruit pods and trunk, you can tell the difference. Click on an acronym to view each weed list, or click here for a composite list of Weeds of the U.S. They are pioneer plants and quickly spread by rhizomes to colonize erosion prone areas. They are unique looking shrubs, grow without maintenance,… However, I wanted the information to available to everyone free of charge, so I made this website. smooth sumac: R. glabra: mature plants can be 20-35 feet: hairless stem: smooth leaflet blades: finely toothed, irregularly: no wings: staghorn sumac: R. typhina: mature plants can be 20-35 feet: long hairs on stem: smooth leaflet blades: finely toothed: no wings Smooth Sumac (Rhus glabra) range. The best soil is rich in organic matter, well drained and moist. (By: USDA). Staghorn Sumac is a native to Ohio and a great naturalizer plant. Put the pot in a warm area away from direct sun. Both plants can grow together and may be difficult to tell apart. The First Nation civilization and major economic center known as Cahokia, an extensive city and network of commerce among many ancient peoples in the Midwest, had quite the reach and influence all along the Mississippi River – including the Upper Mississippi area … Smooth sumac can get up to 20 feet tall, but is often between 10 and 20 feet in height. The Smooth Sumac is also the better choice for drier conditions. Staghorn Sumac (Rhus typhina) range. (in the middle) Tree of Heaven on the other hand is very hairy. Smooth sumac vs staghorn sumac. Staghorn Sumac does tend to retain its fruit through the winter. If you plant in an area where it is mowed around, this will keep it in check. A staghorn sumac leaf will have at least 13 leaflets on it (usually more); a poison sumac leaf will have at most around 13 leaflets (usually fewer). (By: Mehmet Karatay CC BY-SA 3.0), These trees are very beautiful edible landscaping trees. Maintenance: This plant will spread readily by the roots and can take over an area by forming clonal colonies. After, plant the seeds 3mm (1/8 inch) deep in a pot with potting soil, mist it until it is moist, cover with a clear plastic bag and put a rubber band around the bag and pot to seal in the moisture. Smooth sumac is known to shade and replace prairie plants and endangered species. It has alternate, compound leaves, 16 to 24 inches long. (By: Lubiesque CC BY-SA 3.0), Staghorn Sumac (Rhus typhina) branch after leaves have fallen off. The leaf margins of the look-alikes have small teeth, with the exception of winged Tree of Heaven, commonly known as, ailanthus, or in Standard Chinese as chouchun, is a deciduous tree in the Simaroubaceae family. They like full sun, but can do fine if they spend some of the day in shade. Between 60-100 cm (2-3 feet) high is about right. Poison Sumac vs Staghorn Sumac Poison Sumac Leaflets are not jagged or hairy. Fruit clusters tighter, more consistently upright. Tree of Heaven is a favored host of Spotted Lantern Fly, Lycorma delicatula. In Missouri, staghorn sumac (introduced from states to our north and east) occurs along railroads, highways, and other open, disturbed areas. Though they are nearly identical in appearance and growing conditions, Rhus glabra is native across North America, including the Spokane region, while Rhus typhina is native only to the eastern half of the … Grows only in wetlands. (By: Eike Wulfmeyer Attribution-Share Alike 2.5 Generic), Staghorn Sumac (Rhus typhina) male flower panicle at the early stage. (Below) The Poison Sumac has white, green or grey colored berries. Staghorn Sumac and smooth sumac are hiding in plain sight! The specific epithet glabra means smooth. Both species grow as shrubs to small trees and may form extensive thickets. 7-9 leaflets per stem. How to Tell the Difference Between Sumac and Tree of Heaven. If done in the fall, water well after planting, and the next year don't let it dry out. Put the pinkish red drink in a fridge to cool, or over ice to have right away. Staghorn and smooth sumac have more than 13 leaflets, and the leaflets have a serrated edge. A thicket-forming shrub or small tree native to eastern North America; a pioneer species preferring rocky soils. Feb 26, 2020 - Smooth sumac and staghorn sumac are handsome shrubs with fruits eaten by both birds and people. Distribution map courtesy of the USGS Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center, originally from "Atlas of United States Trees" by Elbert L. Little, Jr. . Transplant in the spring into the ground and keep moist for the first season. The leaves of the three species differ slightly as well. In its name, typhina means “like Typha,” cattails, referring to the fine fuzz on its leaves and twigs. The Poison Sumac has white, green or grey colored berries. Distribution map courtesy of the USGS Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center, originally from "Atlas of United States Trees" by Elbert L. Little, Jr. . You might not know it, but sumac-ade (made from either smooth sumac Rhus glabra, or staghorn sumac Rhus typhina) is in fact a tasty herbal relic and beverage straight from the Iowa area of ancient times, as well as the rest of the heart of the Midwest. Using: When the Staghorn and Smooth Sumac berry clusters are ripe, pick two or three clusters off the plant, take home and remove the outer, healthy looking berries into a bowl, pour warm, but not boiling water over them. This drink cuts thirst better than almost anything else. This is a well regarded ornamental, and there are different cultivars of it available at nurseries. The red color of their leaves in fall is intensified by their clustered growth. Staghorn Sumac has leaves that have a hairy leaf stem and rachis, the stem that the leaflets are attached to. The staghorn sumac commonly grows a few inches higher than the smooth sumac, but has few other apparent differences (Angier [2008] 1974: 224). Sumac (pronounced (/ ˈ sj uː m æ k /) or (/ ˈ s uː m æ k /), and also spelled sumach, sumak, soumak, and sumaq) is any one of about 35 species of flowering plants in the genus Rhus and related genera, in the family Anacardiaceae.It grows in subtropical and temperate regions throughout the world, especially in East Asia, Africa, and North America. Once they have sprouted, take off the bag and mist to keep moist and grow in a bright, but not direct burning sun spot. Text Copyright © 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 David G. Mills. Every morning at 5 a.m. my girlfriend Lorie and I walk. Staghorn Sumac (Rhus typhina) with drupe panicles (berry clusters) ready for harvest. Smooth Sumac has none of the hair on the leaves. A plastic chair over them would do well and let in the morning and evening sun. 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