Description

As its name suggests, this sumac has a fragrant smell when the leaves are bruised. It grows 2 – 4 meters (6.5 – 13′) in height and its yellow flower clusters appear before the leaves. Hairy red fruits are produced in late summer which can be used like commercial sumac (usually of East Indian origin). Sumac has a lemony tang that makes a nice cold summer drink and also goes well with venison. The leaves may resemble those of its relative, poison ivy, but with the exception of a few that may experience irritation from the oils it produces, it is harmless. It grows in a variety of conditions from drier to moist and sun to shade. It may have value for bladder and kidney issues including incontinence but more research is required to confirm this.