R. venenàta.
4. Rhús venenàta, DC. (Poison-sumac. Poison-dogwood. Poison-elder.) Leaflets 7 to 13, obovate-oblong, entire, abruptly pointed, smooth or nearly so. Fruit small, globular, smooth, dun-colored, in loose axillary panicles hanging on late in winter; the stone striate. This is a very poisonous species (to the touch), 6 to 18 ft. high, growing in swamps. Rarely at all tree-like.
R. Osbéckii.
5. Rhús Osbéckii, DC. (Chinese Sumac.) Leaves very large, pinnate, assuming in autumn a rich reddish-fawn or orange color; the leafstalk broadly winged between the leaflets; leaflets serrate. A small ornamental tree, 10 to 25 ft. high; cultivated; from China; quite hardy in the Northern States.
R. Cótinus.
6. Rhús Cótinus, L. (Smoke-tree. Venetian Sumac.) Leaves smooth, obovate, entire, on slender petioles. Flowers greenish, minute, in terminal or axillary panicles. Fruit seldom found. Usually most of the flowers are abortive, while their pedicels lengthen, branch, and form long feather-like hairs, making large cloud-like branches that look somewhat like smoke (whence the name). A shrub or small tree, 6 to 10 ft. high, often planted for ornament; from Europe.
