Poison sumac is a woody shrub or small tree that typically grows in wet, swampy areas. Here is what it looks like:
- Leaves : Poison sumac leaves are pinnate, meaning they have a central stem with 7 to 13 smooth-edged, pointed leaflets arranged in pairs along the stem, with a single leaflet at the end. The leaflets are elongated with a smooth, velvety texture
- Leaf Color : In spring and summer, the leaves are green, sometimes bright orange in early spring. In the fall, the leaves can turn yellow, pink, red, or a mix of these colors, often becoming a brilliant red similar to a red maple tree
- Stem : A distinctive feature is the red stem that runs between the leaflets. This red stem helps differentiate poison sumac from non-poisonous sumac species, which do not have red stems. The stem may turn gray or brown later in the year
- Berries : Poison sumac produces loose clusters of pale yellow, cream-colored, or light green berries that hang downward. These berries have an irregular, somewhat squashed appearance and are poisonous to humans, though birds eat them without harm
- Size : Poison sumac can grow up to 20 feet tall, appearing more like a small tree than a shrub
In summary, poison sumac can be recognized by its pinnate leaves with 7-13 smooth, pointed leaflets, red stems, and drooping clusters of pale yellow or greenish berries, often found in wet, swampy environments
. Avoid contact with any part of the plant, as it contains urushiol oil that causes a severe allergic skin rash.
