staghorn sumac

Staghorn Sumac Rhus typhina
Family: Anacardiaceae (Cashew)
Branching: Alternate

A very common shrub or small tree in Ontario. One of the most distinctive woody plants to be seen, especially when in fruit. It has large fuzzy red clusters of "berries" on the terminal ends of the branches. The twigs are very hairy, hence the name "staghorn"

Staghorn Sumac twig, notice the hair and distinctive leaf scars

Another view of the winter twig

Leaf scar

The pith is thick and spongy

A grove of Sumac

The distinctive fruits

Young bark