Sunday, October 14, 2012

Screaming Reds

Nothing screams "fall color" like the Sumacs.

 The most brilliant reds of fall are reserved for members of the sumac family.  There are four common species in Ohio, with Smooth (Rhus glabra) and Staghorn (Rhus typhina) Sumacs  commonly occurring along our roadsides and byways throughout the state.


Staghorn Sumac, Rhus typhina is easy enough to identify- even for a novice weedpicker.  Look for those giant, red seed heads.  Sumac tends to colonize in low (5-15 ft.) growing hedges.  It is fabulous for wildlife and yes, you can use it in your CREP or wildlife-landscaping at home.

Who wouldn't want this fall color adorning their property?

Even after the leaves fall, the best is yet to come!


This is bird food, man.   Watch for these seed heads this winter and I guarantee you'll fine Chickadees, Titmice and Bluebirds.  What could be more lovely than a sumac in snow?

Plant some habitat in your back yard and enjoy the year round benefits of Sumac.  

You'll be screaming for these reds.





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