Sumac
Sumac, also spelled sumach and sumaq, is any one of about 35 species of flowering plants in the genus Rhus and related genera, in the family Anacardiaceae. Sumac grows in subtropical and temperate regions throughout the world, especially in East Asia, Africa, and North America.
Anacardiaceae
The Anacardiaceae, commonly known as the cashew family or sumac family, are a family of flowering plants, including about 83 genera with about 860 known species. Members of the Anacardiaceae bear fruits that are drupes and in some cases produce urushiol, an irritant. The An…
Full Answer
Is Sumac wood good for anything?
Likewise, is sumac wood good for anything? John Swanson: Sumac is a good wood for turning, but has a tendency to split and check during drying. The limb wood has lots of reaction wood (top under tension and bottom under compression) and is not too useable. The color is rich green to yellow and brown and is good for face plate work.
What are sumac trees in Texas good for?
Evergreen sumac also responds well to light pruning, making it a good choice for natural hedges, perhaps separating one section of the yard from another, or screening out an offensive view. Native to rocky hillsides with almost no soil, evergreen sumac performs surprisingly well in areas with a little heavy clay.
What is sumac and how is it used?
Uses of Sumac Spice in Cooking
- Meat Rub or Marinade. As we already discussed, sumac spice is known for its slightly sweet yet strong tart taste. ...
- Spice Blends. Because of its promised versatility sumac can also be added to make a spice blend. ...
- Seasoning. Despite being third on this list, using it as a seasoning is the most popular application for this spice.
- Salad Dressing. ...
- Garnish. ...
What does sumac look like?
Sumac (genus Rhus) is a group of flowering small trees and shrubs. Sumacs are identified by their fern-like pinnate leaves, conical clusters (panicles) of white or green flowers, and fuzzy red berries. In the fall, sumac trees and shrubs turn brilliant autumn shades of red, orange, or purple. Trees and shrubs in the genus Rhus grow between 3 ...
See more
Is a sumac tree poisonous?
All parts of a poison sumac plant are poisonous and the oils remain active even after the plant dies. Symptoms of a poison sumac rash appear 8–48 hours after exposure and can last for weeks. Some people are more sensitive to the plants and will have harsher symptoms.
Are sumac trees good for anything?
Also known as Tanner's sumac or Sicilian sumac, this species has a number of historical practical uses. 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.
What part of the sumac tree is poisonous?
Poison sumac is toxic thanks to the compound called urushiol, which is found in all parts of the plant. Urushil irritates the skin and mucous membranes of people.
Where do sumac trees grow?
Sumac (/ˈsuːmæk/ or /ˈʃuːmæk/), also spelled sumach, is any of about 35 species of flowering plants in the genus Rhus and related genera in the cashew family (Anacardiaceae). Sumacs grow in subtropical and temperate regions throughout the world, including East Asia, Africa, and North America.
What animal eats sumac?
Deer, small mammals and numerous species of birds consume sumac berries from both smooth and fragrant sumac.
Is sumac poisonous to dogs?
Note that poison ivy, oak, and sumac are not toxic to dogs and cats if eaten. However, the plant oils should be removed from the pet's coat to avoid transmission to humans in the home.
How can you tell the difference between sumac and poison sumac?
Poison sumac has clusters of white or light-green berries that sag downward on its branches, while the red berries of harmless sumac sit upright. Also, each stem on the poison sumac plant has a cluster of leaflets with smooth edges, while harmless sumac leaves have jagged edges.
Can you eat sumac?
Ground, dried sumac berries taste great as a spice rub for lamb, fish and chicken. These berries are also used as a salad topping, and you can include them in your favorite dressings. 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.
Does sumac have medicinal properties?
Various scientific studies demonstrated that Sumac had a free oxygen radical-scavenging effect, a protective effect against liver damage, antihemolytic, leukopenia, and antifibrogenic effects, along with its antiviral, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.
Do bees like sumac?
Both staghorn and smooth sumac are hardy northern plants. They both produce a lot of pollen and nectar for bees (blooming in June/July for northern climes) and are favored by honey bees.
Do sumac trees smell?
Scent: Tree of Heaven has a very pungent aroma when the leaf is crushed. Sumac, on the other hand, just has a typical vegetative smell.
Can you burn sumac tree?
Sumac as Firewood Use sumac trees for firewood, rather than shrubs, and allow it to season for at least one year prior to use. Sumac probably won't put out a lot of heat. Use it to start a fast-burning fire in combination with hard woods, which will generate more heat.
Should I plant sumac?
Sumac is a versatile plant that grows in almost any well-drained soil. Full sun or partial shade is fine for most varieties, but flameleaf or prairie sumac has better flowers and fall color if grown in full sun. The plants are drought tolerant, but grow taller if irrigated regularly in the absence of rain.
Do bees like sumac?
Both staghorn and smooth sumac are hardy northern plants. They both produce a lot of pollen and nectar for bees (blooming in June/July for northern climes) and are favored by honey bees.
Do deer like sumac trees?
ANSWER: All sumac species (Rhus spp.) are generally resistant to browsing by deer and other mammal herbivory. Assuming growing conditions are favorable Rhus glabra (smooth sumac) should be an excellent choice for your garden.
Can you eat sumac?
Ground, dried sumac berries taste great as a spice rub for lamb, fish and chicken. These berries are also used as a salad topping, and you can include them in your favorite dressings. 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.
Where are sumac trees native to?
Sumacs include about 35 flowering woody North American species in the Rhus genus within the Anacardiaceae family, which also includes cashews, mangos, and pistachios. There are dozens of other sumac species native to Europe, Africa, Asia, and other parts of the world, a few of which are used as landscape plants in ...
What is a little leaf sumac?
It blooms with white flowers that appear before the leaves, and it has orange-red berries. The autumn foliage color is a muted purple or rose color. The plant makes an attractive specimen or hedge plant, and wildlife is drawn to it. Like other sumacs, it is a valuable plant for protecting native bee populations .
What is lemonade berry sumac?
Lemonade Berry Sumac (Rhus integrifolia) Richard Cummins / Getty Images. Unlike most sumacs (which have trifoliate or pinnate leaves), lemonade berry sumac has simple leaves, with a waxy, leathery texture. The red berries have a tart flavor and are sometimes used in drinks. They are also very attractive to wildlife.
What is the name of the tree that covers the antlers of deer?
Rhus typhina is the largest of the North American sumacs, an open, spreading shrub (sometimes a small tree), earning the common name staghorn sumac because of the reddish-brown hairs covering the branches as velvet covers the antlers of deer. It is also sometimes known as velvet sumac. It has large pinnate leaves with 13 to 27 toothed leaflets. It is a dioecious sumac (plants generally have male or female parts, but not both), and the female flowers produce attractive clusters of fruit that turn bright red in autumn, persisting into the winter. In landscaping, this plant is generally planted in areas where it can form small thickets as it suckers, but it can easily spread rampantly if it is not supervised.
What is a staghorn sumac?
Staghorn Sumac (Rhus typhina) Ruth Swan / Getty Images. Rhus typhina is the largest of the North American sumacs, an open, spreading shrub (sometimes a small tree), earning the common name staghorn sumac because of the reddish-brown hairs covering the branches as velvet covers the antlers of deer.
What is a winged sumac?
Winged sumac—which is also known by a variety of other common names, including dwarf sumac, flameleaf sumac, and shining sumac —is a multi-stemmed, deciduous shrub or small tree that thrives in dry soils in open areas where it often forms large colonies. It is similar to smooth sumac, except the leaves are untoothed. It has large pinnate leaves with 9 to 21 untoothed leaflets that are shiny and dark green. The foliage turns bright red in autumn. It is best used in areas where its tendency to spread and colonize is desired; it is not a good plant in small landscapes.
What is Tanner's Sumac used for?
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.
What is the scientific name of a sumac?
Sumac is a variety of flowering shrub that belongs to a family of plants known as Anacardiaceae. Its scientific name is Rhus coriaria. Other common members of this family include cashew and mango plants ( 1 ).
What is Sumac used for?
Sumac is a popular ingredient in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines. In addition, people use it therapeutically in herbal medicine practices.
How many species of sumac are there?
There are more than 200 different species of sumac, all of which belong to the genus Rhus. However, Rhus coriaria — or Syrian sumac — is the variety people most frequently cultivate for culinary use and herbal medicine ( 1 ).
What is the fat in sumac?
The majority of the fat in sumac comes from two particular types of fat known as oleic acid and linoleic acid ( 1 ).
What is the color of the fruit that Sumac produces?
Sumac is characterized by the large, dense clusters of bright red, pea-sized fruit it produces.
How much of sumac fruit is fiber?
A 2004 chemical analysis of fresh sumac fruit found that over 14% of it is made up of fiber, a nutrient that supports digestive health ( 1, 4 ).
What is the color of poison sumac?
Poison sumac, or Toxicodendron vernix, produces white-colored fruits, as opposed to the red-hued fruit produced by the edible sumac plant.
What Is Sumac?
Sumac berries grow on the Rhus Coriaria shrub, which is typically found in high plateau areas of the Mediterranean like Sicily, due to its wild, rocky lands. Sumac also grows in Turkey and can be found in parts of Iran. Once the berries are fully ripe, they are harvested, dried, and ground. The processed sumac takes on a dark red-burgundy color and the texture of ground nuts. It has a similar smell and taste to lemon but is not as sour. Sumac is widely used as an acidulant in Arabic and Lebanese cooking, and similar to salt, it brings out the natural flavors of the foods it is cooked with.
What is sumac powder?
Sumac is a versatile seasoning that adds a bright red color and a tartness, similar to lemon juice, to a dish. One of the most common uses for sumac is in the spice blend called za'atar .
What is the flavor of sumac?
The flavor of sumac is quite surprising as the deep red spice is reminiscent of fresh lemon juice. This sweet but sour taste is followed by an astringent powerful punch. While having a diverse flavor profile, sumac still blends exceptionally well with other spices such as allspice, chili, thyme, and cumin.
How long does sumac last?
While ground sumac can last for several months, whole sumac can last for upwards of a year. Store sumac in an airtight container away from heat and light. 10 Most Commonly Used Spices In Middle Eastern Cooking. Read More.
Where did the name Sumac come from?
The name sumac comes from the Aramaic word summaq which means "dark red." As far back as 2,000 years ago, sumac was noted for its healthful properties, namely as a diuretic and anti-flatulent, by Roman Emperor Nero's physician, Pedanius Dioscorides. Before lemons made their way into Europe, the Romans used sumac to add a tanginess to dishes.
Can you use ground sumac for hummus?
Ground sumac can be used as is, simply measured from its container. It is a versatile spice, and can be added to a meat rub, used as a flavoring in vegetable dishes (such as eggplant ), and is the perfect seasoning for homemade hummus. Sumac is an ideal match for lamb and duck as it cuts through the fattiness of the meat.
Can you use sumac oil as a flavoring?
In addition to a zesty flavoring for various dishes, sumac can also be used for its essential oils to create a flavored oil or vinegar, a practice that dates back to ancient Rome. The berries are boiled, drained, and pressed, and the essential oils are mixed with either olive oil or vinegar. The flavored oil or vinegar is used on its own or as part of a salad dressing.
How to tell if sumac is poisonous?
Symptoms of a poison sumac rash include: 1 itchiness 2 burning sensation on the skin 3 redness 4 swelling 5 watery blisters
What is the poisonous oil in sumac?
What are the symptoms of poison sumac rash? Poison sumac releases an oil known as urushiol when the plant is bruised or damaged. Skin contact with the oil of a poison sumac plant causes an allergic skin reaction known as contact dermatitis. All parts of a poison sumac plant are poisonous and the oils remain active even after the plant dies.
What are some native plants that can be used for outdoor activities?
One such plant is poison sumac, a deciduous, woody shrub or small tree. Poison sumac ( Toxicodendron vernix) inhabits swamps and other wet areas as well as pinewoods and hardwood forests.
How long does a poison sumac rash last?
Symptoms of a poison sumac rash appear 8–48 hours after exposure and can last for weeks. Some people are more sensitive to the plants and will have harsher symptoms.
How many leaflets does poison sumac have?
Poison sumac is characterized by: reddish stems. leaves that consist of 7–13 leaflets arranged in pairs with a single leaflet at the end. elongated leaflets with a smooth, velvety texture, smooth edges, and a V-shaped point.
What are the symptoms of sumac rash?
burning sensation on the skin. redness. swelling. watery blisters. Symptoms can interfere with a person’s day-to-day activities depending on where the rash occurs on the body and how much it spreads. People who work outside in the woods or swamp areas are particularly susceptible to poison sumac rash.
How to get rid of poison sumac?
If you’re exposed to poison sumac, the first step is to remove the oil from your skin. Don’t wait until a reaction appears on your skin to take action; a rash could take hours to develop. Wash any exposed parts thoroughly with soap and cool water. Don’t use warm water, as this could cause the oils to spread.
How tall do sumac trees grow?
Height: Most types of sumac grow into a tree or shrub ranging between 5 and 20 feet in height. Larger sumac trees will often grow long and slender branches that tilt downward. Double rows of leaves: Poison sumac plants generally feature stems with two parallel rows of leaves. The red or red-brown stems usually hold between 6 and 12 leaves, ...
How big does a sumac tree get?
Staghorn: The largest of North American sumac is the staghorn sumac, which can grow up to 25 feet tall, often in the form of an open shrub or a small tree.
What is the color of sumac?
Red foliage: Both smooth and staghorn sumac — the two most common variations — are easily identifiable by their bright red foliage. In the fall, sumac will also produce a cluster of deep red fruit.
Why is sumac planted?
Prairie sumac is sometimes planted because of its attractive autumnal colors. Skunkbush: Also known as stink bush and scented sumac — emits a strong smell when crushed. Ranging from 2 to 12 feet tall, skunkbush is sometimes planted for windbreak or erosion control.
How deep does sumac grow?
If gone unchecked, sumac can quickly outgrow its area and overtake and displace other vegetation. While the roots are relatively shallow and may only reach about 10 inches underground, many sumac species tend to spread rapidly. Sumac aggressively reproduces through seeds and grows in dense thickets, cutting off other plants' access to vital nutrients.
How does sumac affect the environment?
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. Examples of environmental damage caused by sumac include:
How many species of sumac are there?
Invasive Sumac & How to Get Rid of It. Sumac refers to approximately 35 species in the genus Rhus, a member of the Anacardiaceae flowering plant family. Sumac grows in various parts of the world, including temperate climates in Eastern North America. Invasive sumac can thrive in various soil types and has low moisture requirements.
How tall is Evergreen Sumac?
Evergreen sumac (Rhus virens): A medium-sized shrub at up to 10 feet tall with glossy evergreen foliage 7
What is poison sumac?
Poison sumac favors swampy areas with full sun to part shade. It thrives in fertile, acidic, moist soil and can even tolerate its roots in standing water. It will spread in your garden but usually not aggressively so, therefore it’s typically not an issue for your other garden plants in terms of crowding them out and taking away nutrients. The plant also will attract birds and other wildlife to your garden, thanks to its edible berries. The berries will sometimes stay on the plant through winter when other food sources are scarce, which benefits the local wildlife. The plant also has ornamental value with its yellow-green blooms and bright red-orange autumn foliage.
How tall does poison sumac grow?
Back to Top. Poison sumac is a shrub or small tree that can grow as tall as 30 feet. It sports eye-catching red stems, along with medium-sized green leaves, which turn to a red-orange in the fall. Best planted in spring after the last frost, sumac grows at a moderate rate. Plus, the plant is native to North America, ...
How tall is a staghorn sumac tree?
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
How to remove poison sumac?
While wearing protective clothing and eyewear, start by trimming the plant down to the ground with pruning shears. Make sure to immediately bag all the clippings—never burn them. Then, spray the area with a hose to loosen the soil.
What to wear when working with poison sumac?
If you need to work with poison sumac in your garden, you should always wear protective clothing, including long sleeves and pants, rubber gloves, and boots.
Can birds eat sumac?
Birds and other wildlife even eat the berries from poison sumac plants. However, pets still can carry the toxic resin on their coats if they come in contact with the plant, which transfer the oil to your skin when you come into contact with the pet.
What is the name of the poison Sumac?
Beware of Poison Sumac (Rhus Vernix). University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension
What is poison sumac leaf?
David Beaulieu. The shape of poison sumac leaves is described by botanists as a "pinnately compound.". "Pinnate" means resembling a feather; "compound" means that, instead of one, unified structure, a plant's leaf is really composed of multiple leaflets joined by stems. Poison sumac has leaves made up of 5 to 13 leaflets.
What tree has yellow fall foliage?
Poison sumac with yellow fall foliage can rival that of the birch trees .
How tall does poison sumac grow?
Poison sumac grows to be 6 to 20 feet high. The new bark on the branches is relatively smooth. If you learn how to identify the plant by its bark, then you will be able to avoid coming into contact with poison sumac in winter (after it has lost its leaves). You can get a rash from allowing your skin to brush up against poison sumac, even in winter. 1
How many leaflets does poison sumac have?
Poison sumac has leaves made up of 5 to 13 leaflets. While the exact number varies, it is always an odd number. That's because, while most of the leaflets form matching pairs (one across from the other), there's always one lone leaflet at the tip of the compound leaf, which gives it the shape of a feather.
What to wear when working with poison sumac?
If you need to work with poison sumac in your garden, always wear protective clothing: long sleeves and pants, rubber gloves, and boots. Thoroughly hose down your boots and gloves after you’re done in the garden, and immediately wash your clothes. It's ideal to take a shower as well just in case there's some resin on your body. 4
When do poison sumac berries start to grow?
Spring and Summer Berries. The Spruce / Autumn Wood. The berries of poison sumac start out green in spring and remain that color for much of the summer. They grow in clusters that are quite distinct from the berry clusters of nonpoisonous sumacs ( Rhus typhina, for example), in terms of color, shape, and texture.
What is the color of the flowers on sumac?
The panicle-shaped yellow-green flowers of sumac develop into fussy velvety drupes with vibrant red berries.
What are some trees similar to the Tree of Heaven?
Tree of Heaven Lookalikes. Tree of heaven can be confused with some native trees, first and foremost black walnut and sumac. Besides the foul smell of the tree of heaven leaves, there are a few other distinctive features that can help you tell them apart.
Why is Tree of Heaven so invasive?
What also makes tree of heaven so very invasive is that its leaves, roots, and bark release allelopathic chemicals which prevent other plants from growing. This, in combination with rapid growth and spread, and the ability of the tree to survive droughts and thrive in poor soils, leads to tree of heaven monocultures.
Why does the Tree of Heaven choke out native vegetation?
Because the tree is drought-tolerant and grows in nutrient-poor soil, it easily chokes out native vegetation. While tree of heaven does not tolerate shade, it encroaches on a forest that has been disturbed, or establishes itself on the edge of the woods.
How fast does the Tree of Heaven grow?
Tree of heaven grows rapidly; growth of 10 to 15 feet in one year is not unusual. Once established, it constantly grows suckers, and not just at its base but 50 or more feet away from the original tree. It only takes the newly sprouted trees about two years to produce seeds on their own.
What does a tree of heaven look like?
Identifying a tree during the dormant season is not always easy, but a mature tree of heaven has a very distinct, rough and fissured bark that looks like the skin of a cantaloupe.
How long does it take for a tree to stop growing?
It can take several months until the tree stops showing signs of life. Be persistent and patient.
