Sumac
Rhus spp. · staghorn reference: Rhus typhina
Staghorn sumac is a colony-forming shrub or small tree with feather-like compound leaves and upright, dense red fruit cones. Its leaves turn orange and scarlet in autumn.
Native range
Rhus typhina: eastern North America, including Ontario. Rhus glabra: much of North America. The exact species at this spot needs identification.
Typical season
Late summer and autumn is a broad local reference for red fruit clusters. Old clusters may remain through winter; presence alone does not indicate harvest quality.
Identification
Compare staghorn sumac (Rhus typhina), with velvety young twigs, and smooth sumac (Rhus glabra), with hairless twigs. These red-fruited species have documented food uses. Poison sumac (Toxicodendron vernix) is a different plant with pale fruits and can cause severe skin irritation. A map label, illustration or fruit colour alone cannot establish what to harvest. Photograph leaves, twigs and fruit to resolve identity.