Unfortunately due to naming, many people think only of “poison” sumac (Toxicodendron vernix) instead of the edible species in the Rhus genus when they think of wild sumac. Thankfully, it couldn’t be easier to tell the difference. Poison sumac with have smooth-edged leaflets and both smooth and staghorn sumac will have serrated edges. Dwarf sumac does also have smooth edges, but it also has the presence of that “leafy” inner part along the stem between leaflets. If we’re talking about the berries

Sumac Lemonade 🍋 A common misconception- Staghorn sumac is NOT the same as poison sumac. Staghorn sumac is easily distinguishable by its bright red clusters of berries (drupes) in comparison to poison sumac which has white/green berries. It’s best to harvest the drupes late July through mid September, before a heavy rain, as the rain dilutes the acidity. Harvest your clusters, rub the berries off (the stems can cause the infusion to be more bitter), steep in water overnight, sweeten with your c