Staghorn Sumac

Rhus typhina, the Staghorn Sumac (not poison sumac, Toxicodendron vernix!) occupies forest edges and is a source of striking red color in the landscape via its fruits in the summer and its leaves in the fall. This is primarily a sour and astringent medicinal. The leaf and stem contains tightening tannins and can be used externally for skin conditions or internally to stop bleeding and diarrhea, and also possess diuretic properties. The red ripe fruits are the most commonly used part of this wild plant; if the fuzzy horns of fruits are picked before bugs get to them, they can be brewed into a sour and tasty pink lemonade-like drink.