Staghorn sumac, a common North American plant, is often misunderstood regarding its toxicity. Many mistakenly believe it is poisonous due to its name’s association with harmful plants. This article clarifies its non-toxic nature and provides guidance on distinguishing it from toxic look-alikes.
The Truth About Staghorn Sumac
Staghorn sumac (Rhus typhina) is not poisonous and does not cause allergic reactions like poison ivy or poison sumac. It is a member of the Anacardiaceae family, which also includes cashew, mango, and pistachio. Confusion often arises because “sumac” is broadly applied, leading to incorrect association with toxic species. Its sap does not contain urushiol, the oily resin causing rashes from poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac. Its non-toxic nature allows for various uses.
Key Identification Features
Staghorn sumac is easily recognized by several distinct characteristics. Its most prominent feature is its fruit, which appears as dense, upright, cone-shaped clusters of fuzzy, crimson-red berries, known as drupes. These berry clusters remain on the plant throughout the fall and winter, providing a clear visual cue.
Its leaves are compound, with multiple smaller leaflets arranged along a central stem. Typically, there are 11 to 31 serrated, lance-shaped leaflets per leaf. In autumn, these leaves transform into vibrant shades of orange, red, and purple, contributing to striking fall landscapes.
The branches and twigs are covered in a dense, velvety fuzz, resembling deer antlers in velvet, which gives the plant its name. This fuzzy texture is a reliable identifier, distinguishing it from other sumac varieties. Staghorn sumac typically grows as a large shrub or small tree, often forming thickets or colonies in disturbed areas.
Differentiating From Look-Alikes
Distinguishing staghorn sumac from poisonous look-alikes, especially poison sumac (Toxicodendron vernix), is crucial. Poison sumac is characterized by its white or grayish-white berries that hang loosely in clusters, directly contrasting with the upright, red, fuzzy berries of staghorn sumac. Additionally, poison sumac grows primarily in wet, swampy environments, unlike staghorn sumac which prefers drier, upland sites.
Poison sumac has smooth, hairless stems, and its leaves consist of 7 to 13 leaflets arranged in pairs along a central stem, with a single leaflet at the tip. In contrast, staghorn sumac’s stems are distinctively fuzzy, and its leaves have a greater number of leaflets. These features help prevent accidental contact with harmful plants.
While less often confused with staghorn sumac, poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) and poison oak (Toxicodendron pubescens) are also common causes of allergic reactions. These plants are best identified by their distinctive “leaves of three” arrangement, a clear departure from the compound leaves of staghorn sumac. Remembering poison sumac’s white berries and smooth stems, and poison ivy/oak’s “leaves of three,” aids in differentiation.
Common Uses and Considerations
Staghorn sumac has various culinary and traditional uses. The red berries can be steeped in cold water to create a tart, lemonade-like beverage often referred to as “sumac-ade.” Dried and ground sumac berries are also used as a spice, adding a tangy, citrusy flavor to dishes in Middle Eastern cuisine.
Beyond culinary uses, it provides food and shelter for wildlife, especially in winter. Its dense thickets offer cover for small animals and birds. The plant’s ability to grow in disturbed soils also makes it useful for erosion control.
Although generally non-toxic, individuals with severe allergies to other members of the Anacardiaceae family, such as cashews or mangoes, should exercise caution. While rare, some highly sensitive individuals might experience mild skin irritation from direct contact with the sap. This reaction is not a true allergic rash like that caused by urushiol, but rather a minor sensitivity.