Staghorn Sumac

Rhus typhina

Illustration: Staghorn sumac (Rhus typhina) red berry cones

Identification: Shrub/small tree with fuzzy (velvet-horn-like) twigs; pinnate leaves; dense UPRIGHT cones of fuzzy RED berries in late summer/fall.

Dangerous look-alikes: POISON SUMAC (Toxicodendron vernix) — has HANGING clusters of WHITE/green drupes, smooth untoothed leaflets, grows in swamps; causes severe rash. The rule: red upright cones = edible sumac; white hanging berries = poison. See the High-Risk Index plate.

Edible parts: Red berry cones (the fuzzy drupes).

Season and habitat: Late summer–fall, before heavy rains wash the flavor. Open ground, roadsides.

Preparation: Steep cones in cold water (not hot) 30–60 minutes, strain through cloth — tart lemony 'sumac-ade,' high in vitamin C. Dry and grind berries as the Middle Eastern spice za'atar component.