Poison sumac
Toxicodendron vernix has smooth leaflets and drooping white berries; causes severe rash.
Use the botanical sourceCulinary reference
Staghorn sumac.
Rhus typhina
Also found as Velvet sumac
A shrub with velvety antler-like branches and upright cones of fuzzy red berries used for a lemony drink.
Sources checked 27 September 2026 · Specialist field review pending
Before any gathering or use
Poison sumac has white, drooping berries and grows in swamps; never use white-berried sumacs. People with cashew or mango allergy may react.
Where it grows
Tracked records and known growing zone
- Verified records
- 50,663
- People who recorded it
- 25,539
- Most records (northern hemisphere)
- Jun–Sep
- Records span
- 1976–2026
| January | 1096 |
|---|---|
| February | 1141 |
| March | 1617 |
| April | 3528 |
| May | 3785 |
| June | 6542 |
| July | 10083 |
| August | 7347 |
| September | 6880 |
| October | 5606 |
| November | 1843 |
| December | 1146 |
Research-grade iNaturalist records, snapshot Aug 27, 2026. The growing zone combines areas where different people have repeatedly verified it. Records show where people looked and found it, not current abundance or permission to gather.
01 / Learn to see
Field marks
- 01
Branches covered in velvety hairs like deer antler velvet.
- 02
Large compound leaves with many toothed leaflets, red in autumn.
- 03
Upright, dense cone-shaped clusters of fuzzy red berries.
These are study prompts, not a complete identification key. Confirm the full plant with a regional flora and an experienced local identifier.
02 / Resolve the differences
Look closely. Compare.
Tree of heaven
Ailanthus altissima has smooth leaflets with a gland at the base and winged seeds.
Use the botanical sourceSelected comparisons only. Other lookalikes may occur locally.
03 / Meet the place
Habitat & season
Range context
Native to eastern North America; planted elsewhere.
Watch the plant stage
Berries ripen in late summer; harvest before heavy rain washes the flavor.
Stage guidance is not a local forecast. Check your climate, elevation and a regional source; no month-shift formula is used here.
04 / Gather with care
Documented use & care
Parts discussed: Fruit
Soak berry clusters in cold water and strain through cloth for sumac lemonade. Dry and grind as a sour spice.
Care for the patch
Harvest berry cones from abundant stands and leave some for winter birds.
Preparation & storage essentials05 / Follow the evidence
Sources & review
- Wikipedia · Rhus typhinaBotanical description, range and documented use
- iNaturalist · Rhus typhinaTaxonomy and verified observation records
Checked 27 September 2026. Original editorial synthesis; source institutions have not reviewed or endorsed this guide. Independent botanical field review is pending. Photos illustrate specimens; they do not certify the identity of a plant you find.
Suggest a correction