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Where does the sumac 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 is the difference between smooth sumac and staghorn sumac?
Staghorn Sumac has leaves that have a hairy leaf stem and rachis, the stem that the leaflets are attached to. Smooth Sumac has none of the hair on the leaves. Shining Sumac has wings on the rachis and is so shiny it looks like the leaves have been waxed.
Is Smooth sumac poisonous?
Smooth sumac has edible berries and poisonous but medicinal leaves.
What does smooth sumac look like?
Pinnate and compound, Smooth Sumac leaves are large, fern-like constructions with smooth green or purple stems supporting pairs of shiny, dark green, lance-shaped leaflets and a single terminal leaflet. Each leaf is between 1 and 1-1/2 feet long and contains 11 to 31 leaflets. Leaflets all have shallow, toothed edges.
Is a sumac a tree or a bush?
sumac, (genus Rhus), genus of shrubs and small trees belonging to the cashew family (Anacardiaceae), native to temperate and subtropical zones. Sumacs have been used as a source of dyes, medicines, and beverages, and the dried fruits of some species are used as a spice in Middle Eastern cuisine.
Is smooth sumac invasive?
There are several species of sumac in Eastern North America, but they all have similar properties. The discussion here deals with smooth sumac (Rhus glabra), one of the most common and most invasive. Although sumac is native, it is highly invasive. Sumac is a woody plant that has the potential for forming large clones.
What is smooth sumac used for?
Parts of smooth sumac have been used by various Native American tribes as an antiemetic, antidiarrheal, antihemorrhagic, blister treatment, cold remedy, emetic, mouthwash, asthma treatment, tuberculosis remedy, sore throat treatment, ear medicine, eye medicine, astringent, heart medicine, venereal aid, ulcer treatment.
How do you identify poison sumac?
Identifying Poison Sumac Look for a sparse shrub or tree. Watch for small plants with upward pointing leaves. Look for double rows of leaves on each stem. Recognize the leaf shape of poison sumac. Learn the other attributes of the leaf. Identify poison sumac flowers. Identify the berries. Check for white berries or empty berry stems in winter.
What is Sumac good for?
Sumac spice is used primarily in Middle Eastern cuisines including: Persian, Lebanese , and Turkish . Ground sumac is good for kebabs, chicken, fish, pita bread, and in salads.
What is sumac and how is it used?
Sumac is a widely used, essential spice in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cooking . It’s used in everything from dry rubs, marinades, and dressing. But its best use is sprinkled over food before serving. It pairs well with vegetables, grilled lamb, chicken and fish.
Are sumac trees poisonous?
Poison sumac is a shrub (some consider it a small tree) that grows in swampy areas, often next to Cinnamon ferns (Osmunda cinnamomea), marsh marigolds (Caltha palustris), cattails ( Typha ), and winterberry holly (Ilex verticillata). All parts of poison sumac are poisonous.