Flowers: Borne in clusters from the axils of the leaves, during May and June, some of them either only staminate or only pistillate, some of them with both stamens and pistils, each flower with 4 small petals.
Fruit: Nearly round, fleshy, black, up to ¼ inch in diameter, bitter, containing 3 or 4 seeds.
Wood: Heavy, hard, durable, yellowish, fine-grained.
Uses: This tree is sometimes planted as an ornamental hedge. The wood is used in making such things as tool handles. The fruits serve as a powerful purging agent.
Habitat: Thickets.
Range: Native of Europe and Asia; naturalized throughout much of northeastern North America.
Distinguishing Features: The spine-tipped twigs, nearly opposite leaves, and small black fruits readily distinguish this species.
SHINING SUMAC
Rhus copallina L.
Other Names: Dwarf Sumac; Winged Sumac.