Does poison sumac grow in our area?
I have some "volunteer" shrubs (12-20") that look like pictures of poison sumac. But I've read it grows in marshy, swampy areas. My backyard is pretty dry. Wondering what it might be? Can I send a photo?
Answer
Unlike Poison Ivy, Poison Sumac is very rare in the Northeastern United States. Poison Sumac grows in wetlands, has smooth leaves and there are no hairs on its stems. Staghorn Sumac is very common here and has jagged leaves and the stems are hairy.
- Google images of Rhus typhina (Staghorn sumac)
- Google images of Rhus glabra (Smooth sumac)
- Google images of Toxicodendron vernix (Poison sumac) (T. vernix formerly known as Rhus vernix)