Winged Sumac and Smooth Sumac
(Rhus copallinum and Rhus glabra)

Winged Sumac (R. copallinum) is one of two common species of sumac found in our area. It has large pinnately compound leaves with petioles that have "wings" - flattened blade-like structures - running along the leaf stalk between the leaflets. The flowers appear in June, and the dull red to purple fruits are well-developed by September. The leaves turn bright red in the fall.

Smooth sumac (R. glabra) differs from Winged Sumac in having toothed leaflets and no wings along the leaf axis. The bark of Smooth Sumac has distinct lenticels but lacks dense pubescence that is characteristic of other species of Sumac. The fruits of both these species provide a food source for many birds and small mammals. Other members of this genus include Staghorn Sumac (R. typhina) and Fragrant Sumac (R. aromatica).

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