Staghorn Sumac (Rhus typhina, synonym: R. hirta)

http://www.durgan.org/ShortURL/?NJUIA 19 August 2008 Staghorn Sumac (Rhus typhina, synonym: R. hirta)
Native to eastern North America. The plant flowers from May to July and fruit ripens from June to September. The foliage turns a brilliant red in autumn. The fruit lasts through winter and into spring. Staghorn sumac spreads using its seeds, and by spreading rhizomes. It grows quite aggressively. It can grow under a wide array of conditions, but is most often found in dry and poor soil on which other plants cannot survive. The fruit of sumacs can be collected, soaked and washed in cold water, strained, sweetened and made into a pink lemonade.

Pruned it makes a large canopy shade tree. I dug a small piece from along the road in 2004, and the tree thrived. Most people disdain this tree, and purchase some exotic that is marginal for our climate. The vegetation is a bit open and grass grows well under the tree. The roots spread for long distances just under the surface. Small trees shoot up long distances from the main bush, and are simply cut off with the lawnmower. I like to sit under it in the shade. No bugs attack this native tree.

http://www.durgan.org/ShortURL/?UHMXL 2 September 2008 Utilizing Sumac Berries. Method.
This is a method of making a drink from the berries of the Staghorn Sumac. I chose to make the mixture in cold water, but boiling the berry is also utilized, but more tannin is extracted when boiled. The drink may be sweetened for taste, but I drink it unsweetened, and it is close in taste to lemonade, meaning it has an acid flavour. The extract comes from the outer coating of the berry, so do not wash before stripping the berries, by rubbing the horns together. The extract is water soluble, so the berries should be picked before any heavy rainfall.

http://www.durgan.org/ShortURL/?BLEHO Summary: Staghorn Sumac (Rhus typhina, synonym: R. hirta)