Poison Sumac vs. Staghorn Sumac

POISON SUMAC (Toxicodendron vernix) — severe allergic rash; worse than poison ivy.

The tell: Poison sumac: HANGING clusters of WHITE/green waxy drupes, smooth untoothed leaflets, grows in swamps. Staghorn sumac: UPRIGHT fuzzy RED cones, toothed leaflets, dry ground.

Rule: Red upright cones = food. White hanging berries = hospital.

Illustration: Poison sumac vs. staghorn sumac