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.

Sorting Sumacs

A recent trip to Castalia Wildlife Area provided an opportunity for side-by-side comparison of our two most common Sumac species, the Smooth and Staghorn.

 The Smooth Sumac, Sumac glabra was in full, golden flower.  A close look at the stems and leaves reveal the best reference for identification and the true nature of this plant: smooth. Its is as smooth as as a .. well, we won't go there.

 It is also the only Sumac found in all 48 contiguous states.  It's complete ethno-botany would be interesting, I only know I have  ENJOYED both "lemonade"or rather "sumac-ade" and homemade jellies made with sumac.  Both were quite yummy.  Anyone have some recipes for this?

 Ohio's most common Sumac has "hair".   Staghorn Sumac, Sumac typhina is easily recognizable even in its early flowering and fruiting, but the fuzziness on the stems and leaves.  Click on the photo and look closely- they are there.

  The  seed heads become a brilliant scarlet red, and are used as a seasoning for meat in some Middle Eastern countries.  Come fall, the leaves also turn to beautiful shades of red; it would be a lovely accent in one's landscape. 

Eastern Bluebirds are often the local experts on Sumac.  It is a favored source of food for birds. Many members of the thrush family feed heavily on these berries during the winter months.   Remember that tip for you next Christmas Bird Count, and look for Hermit Thrushes in deep stands of Sumac.

This "weed" has many domestic uses, landscape appeal and wildlife benefits. It is time to take a second look at Sumacs!