Wild ForageCaution

Staghorn sumac

Rhus typhina

Also called: smooth sumac (Rhus glabra) is similar and also used

Upright red fuzzy fruit cones make a tart, lemony drink. Poison sumac is the look-alike to rule out.

Staghorn sumac: Fruit or seed — Fruit or seedPhoto: sblumen · CC BY · source

Staghorn sumac: Photo. Velvety hairy twigs and stems — PhotoVelvety hairy twigs and stemsPhoto: Lynn Harper · CC0 · source

Staghorn sumac: Flower — FlowerPhoto: John Brown · CC0 · source

Staghorn sumac: Habitat — HabitatPhoto: AnRo0002 · CC0 · source

Confirm EVERY point before you eat it

Upright, cone-shaped clusters of fuzzy red fruit at the branch tips
Twigs and young stems covered in velvety hairs
Compound leaves with 11-31 sharply toothed leaflets
Fruit tastes tart when chewed

0 of 4 confirmed. If any point does not match, it is not this plant.

Look-alikes to rule out

Poison sumacSkin irritant
Grows in swamps, has smooth-edged leaflets and drooping whitish berries. Never eat, never touch.
See the card →

Warnings

Sumac is related to cashew and mango; people with those allergies should be cautious.

In season

Red fruit clusters ready from mid-summer into early fall.

Habitat

Dry, open, sunny sites, roadsides, field edges.

Parts used

fruit clusters

Preparation and use

Soak fruit in cold water, strain through cloth to remove hairs, sweeten. Do not boil.

Harvest note

Avoid roadsides with heavy traffic or spraying.

Educational reference only. Never eat a wild plant or mushroom based on a website or app. Confirm with an experienced forager, your local extension office, or a mycological club. Poison Control (US): 1-800-222-1222. Call 911 for severe symptoms.