#plantidentification — Public Fediverse posts

Bring the bold flavor of #sumac into your #FallForaging

Sabrina Halvorson
October 4, 2025

"This is one of those plants that brings a burst of flavor to #foraging. If you’ve noticed the upright clusters of deep red berries along field edges, roadsides, or open woods, you may have found #staghorn or #SmoothSumac. These clusters are often ready in late summer, but in many places, early October is still a good time to collect them, as long as frost has not dulled their taste.

How to Identify

Once you know sumac, it’s very easy to identify.

#StaghornSumac has fuzzy branches, while #SmoothSumac does not (hence the name). Both have odd-pinnate compound leaves with many leaflets and cone-shaped berry clusters that turn a rich red. In fall, the leaves turn bright red, making the plant easy to spot.

Fragrant sumac is a low, spreading shrub with smaller leaves arranged in groups of three, and its clusters are shorter and more compact. #SkunkbushSumac also has leaves in groups of three and tends to grow in dense thickets, often in drier areas.

Fun Fact: Skunkbush gets its name from the strong odor released when its leaves or stems are crushed. Despite the off-putting smell, the berries are edible and have the same tangy flavor prized in other sumac species.

Look-alikes: #PoisonSumac

It’s important not to confuse the edible varieties with poison sumac. Fortunately, they’re pretty easy to tell apart. Poison sumac has white or gray drooping berries rather than upright red clusters. It also grows in wet, swampy areas, which is very different from the dry or open habitats where you find staghorn and smooth sumac.

[...]

Recipe: Sumac 'Lemon' Loaf

This recipe uses a strong sumac infusion to mimic lemon flavor, giving the loaf a bright and slightly tart taste.

Ingredients

• 1 cup milk
• ½ cup dried sumac berries (or 1 full cone, crumbled)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Warm the milk until just hot, then pour over the sumac berries. Let steep for 30 minutes, then strain to remove the berries.

2. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a loaf pan.

3. In a bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time and mix well.

4. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.

5. Add dry ingredients to the butter mixture alternately with the strained sumac milk, beginning and ending with flour. Mix until just combined.

6. Pour into loaf pan and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

7. Cool before slicing. "

Learn more:
https://thefumblingforager.com/2025/10/04/sumac/

#SolarPunkSunday #Foraging #PlantIdentification #WildEdibles #Sumac #SumacRecipes #Recipes #PoisonousLookalikes

#Sumac #Foraging and Preparation

Shelley
Aug 15, 2018

Excerpt: "First things first... no, we are not talking #PoisonSumac ! Secondly, it is extremely easy to tell the difference between poison sumac and #StaghornSumac , Staghorn Sumac being the edible version. We see a ton of Staghorn Sumac growing in the Midwest, but it grows easily throughout most parts of the country. We have so much of it growing here it seems a little crazy sumac it isn’t used more in cooking in the Midwest. I suppose that's because when people here think sumac they automatically think it's poisonous!

"Staghorn Sumac has a distinctive dark red or bright red staghorn shaped pod that you just can’t miss driving down any country road. The poisonous sumac has little green or white berries. I do not have a picture of it because I could not find any, but I encourage you to look online and so you can see the difference for yourself.

"The best time to harvest sumac in the Midwest is late July through mid-September, August being ideal. The staghorn is fully ripe then and it still fresh before it has seen a lot of rain. Every heavy rain actually washes away a little of the sumac flavor as it is very water soluble. To harvest it, I like to look for a tree that is off a main road, I try not to forage along busy roads. My feeling is that all the car exhaust pollutes the plants alongside the road. I just pull over on the side of the road and cut some of the red staghorn off the tree by cutting right where the staghorn meets the branch with a pair of scissors or pruning shears. Keep in mind these trees are generally not incredibly tall so you should be able to reach some of the lower branches but you may need to bring a footstool with you just to be sure you can reach."

Learn more:
https://www.thechoppingblock.com/blog/sumac-foraging-and-preparation

#SolarPunkSunday #Foraging
#PoisonousLookalikes #Sumac #PlantIdentification #WildEdibles

#PoisonSumac vs. #StaghornSumac: The Major Differences

By David Beaulieu
Updated on February 14, 2026

" Key points:

- Poison sumac has white berries and smooth bark, while staghorn sumac has red berries and fuzzy bark.
- Poison sumac grows in very wet areas like swamps, while staghorn sumac thrives in dry soils along roadsides.
- Poison sumac and staghorn sumac both have compound leaves, but poison sumac has smooth leaf margins and staghorn sumac's are toothed.

Berries

Poison sumac's berries:

- Groups of berries that are not fused
- Droop from small stems
- Flattish in shape
- Mature to an off-white color in the fall

Staghorn sumac berries:

- Packed tightly together in soft, cone-shaped tufts
- Tufts grow upright
- Red color "

Learn more:
https://www.thespruce.com/poison-sumac-vs-staghorn-sumac-4772349

#SolarPunkSunday #Foraging #PoisonousLookalikes #Sumac #PlantIdentification #WildEdibles

Alrighty then! I learned a lot this #SolarPunkSunday... I hope you all did too! I didn't get to #Wildharvesting, #PlantIdentification and #Foraging, but I'll cover those topics next week, along with whatever other folks come up with! It's all about #SharingKnowledge , ideas, and #BuildingCommunity !

What is it https://www.allforgardening.com/1925488/what-is-it-149/ #PlantIdentification #What'sThisPlant

Bought a house with grow beds in the backyard, started growing some flowers… are these tomatoes? https://www.allforgardening.com/1925365/bought-a-house-with-grow-beds-in-the-backyard-started-growing-some-flowers-are-these-tomatoes/ #PlantIdentification #What'sThisPlant

Southeast New Brunswick Canada https://www.allforgardening.com/1925229/southeast-new-brunswick-canada/ #PlantIdentification #What'sThisPlant

Some kind of pumpkin? https://www.allforgardening.com/1925109/some-kind-of-pumpkin/ #PlantIdentification #What'sThisPlant

I think this is evening primrose? https://www.allforgardening.com/1924995/i-think-this-is-evening-primrose/ #PlantIdentification #What'sThisPlant

need help identifying this tree https://www.allforgardening.com/1924874/need-help-identifying-this-tree-4/ #PlantIdentification #What'sThisPlant

what is this in my garden! (uk) https://www.allforgardening.com/1924752/what-is-this-in-my-garden-uk/ #PlantIdentification #What'sThisPlant

What plant or tree are these seeds coming from? Are they toxic to pets? https://www.allforgardening.com/1924650/what-plant-or-tree-are-these-seeds-coming-from-are-they-toxic-to-pets/ #PlantIdentification #What'sThisPlant

Also Growing in Virginia https://www.allforgardening.com/1924536/also-growing-in-virginia/ #PlantIdentification #What'sThisPlant

Thrives under trees https://www.allforgardening.com/1924427/thrives-under-trees/ #PlantIdentification #What'sThisPlant

Been here forever, never fruited before. https://www.allforgardening.com/1924291/been-here-forever-never-fruited-before/ #PlantIdentification #What'sThisPlant

Growing in Virginia https://www.allforgardening.com/1924187/growing-in-virginia/ #PlantIdentification #What'sThisPlant

This a some sort of apple tree in front of my house. https://www.allforgardening.com/1924060/this-a-some-sort-of-apple-tree-in-front-of-my-house/ #PlantIdentification #What'sThisPlant

What is this vine? https://www.allforgardening.com/1923933/what-is-this-vine-12/ #PlantIdentification #What'sThisPlant

what is this plant (not the rubber plant) https://www.allforgardening.com/1923796/what-is-this-plant-not-the-rubber-plant/ #PlantIdentification #What'sThisPlant

Random radishy-looking plant… https://www.allforgardening.com/1923678/random-radishy-looking-plant/ #PlantIdentification #What'sThisPlant

What plant is this? I am having a reaction https://www.allforgardening.com/1923550/what-plant-is-this-i-am-having-a-reaction/ #PlantIdentification #What'sThisPlant

Found growing in my mulch. Not sure what it is. Looks kind of like butternut squash but huge (2.5ft) and curved. Pennsylvania https://www.allforgardening.com/1923421/found-growing-in-my-mulch-not-sure-what-it-is-looks-kind-of-like-butternut-squash-but-huge-2-5ft-and-curved-pennsylvania/ #PlantIdentification #What'sThisPlant

Help me identify my bonsai material https://www.allforgardening.com/1923278/help-me-identify-my-bonsai-material/ #PlantIdentification #What'sThisPlant

Small plan in my yard – is this invasive? https://www.allforgardening.com/1923170/small-plan-in-my-yard-is-this-invasive/ #PlantIdentification #What'sThisPlant

Is this sweet pea or soup pea https://www.allforgardening.com/1922957/is-this-sweet-pea-or-soup-pea/ #PlantIdentification #What'sThisPlant

Woody vine with clusters like small shrubs https://www.allforgardening.com/1922818/woody-vine-with-clusters-like-small-shrubs/ #PlantIdentification #What'sThisPlant

Growing beside a wheat field in Southern Alberta https://www.allforgardening.com/1922712/growing-beside-a-wheat-field-in-southern-alberta/ #PlantIdentification #What'sThisPlant

I’ve been having trouble identifying this exact species. The pollinators love them and great for my garden. https://www.allforgardening.com/1922592/ive-been-having-trouble-identifying-this-exact-species-the-pollinators-love-them-and-great-for-my-garden/ #PlantIdentification #What'sThisPlant

What are these gorgeous beauties? https://www.allforgardening.com/1922477/what-are-these-gorgeous-beauties/ #PlantIdentification #What'sThisPlant

So, many years ago, my colleagues at the #WildernessSchool had permission to pick blueberries at the #BlueberryBarrens at #CrystalSpringFarms, and also foraged in the surrounding areas. It's a lovely place and I'm so glad that it's being preserved -- despite all the development in #Maine!

Summer Four Season Walk at Crystal Spring Farm

Tuesday, July 21, 2026
3:00 PM to 5:00 PM

Crystal Spring Farm
277 Pleasant Hill Road
#BrunswickME, 04011 United States

Pre-registration required. Suggested donation $5-$20.

"Come walk the trails at Crystal Spring Farm in Brunswick as we get to know #NativePlants in summer.

Four season walks are a popular series and a staff favorite: each year, we pick a new location, and then take the same walk, once per season. We will all engage in observing and asking questions of our surroundings, and identify the varied plants, shrubs, trees, ferns, and wildlife along the trail. Each season brings something new and spectacular to look at. The goal of these walks is to foster relationships with place through relationships with plants, and encourage further #stewardship of our community spaces. Crystal Spring is home to a lovely blueberry barren #ecosystem that we look forward to visiting together. Thank you to #BrunswickTopshamLandTrust for hosting us!"

FMI and to register:
https://wildseedproject.net/events/summer-four-season-walk-at-crystal-spring-farm

#SolarPunkSunday #MaineEvents #MidcoastMaine #SpendTimeInNature #LandTrust #PreservedLand #ObserveNature #PlantIdentification #NativePlants

So, many years ago, my colleagues at the #WildernessSchool had permission to pick blueberries at the #BlueberryBarrens at #CrystalSpringFarms, and also foraged in the surrounding areas. It's a lovely place and I'm so glad that it's being preserved -- despite all the development in #Maine!

Summer Four Season Walk at Crystal Spring Farm

Tuesday, July 21, 2026
3:00 PM to 5:00 PM

Crystal Spring Farm
277 Pleasant Hill Road
#BrunswickME, 04011 United States

Pre-registration required. Suggested donation $5-$20.

"Come walk the trails at Crystal Spring Farm in Brunswick as we get to know #NativePlants in summer.

Four season walks are a popular series and a staff favorite: each year, we pick a new location, and then take the same walk, once per season. We will all engage in observing and asking questions of our surroundings, and identify the varied plants, shrubs, trees, ferns, and wildlife along the trail. Each season brings something new and spectacular to look at. The goal of these walks is to foster relationships with place through relationships with plants, and encourage further #stewardship of our community spaces. Crystal Spring is home to a lovely blueberry barren #ecosystem that we look forward to visiting together. Thank you to #BrunswickTopshamLandTrust for hosting us!"

FMI and to register:
https://wildseedproject.net/events/summer-four-season-walk-at-crystal-spring-farm

#SolarPunkSunday #MaineEvents #MidcoastMaine #SpendTimeInNature #LandTrust #PreservedLand #ObserveNature #PlantIdentification #NativePlants

So, many years ago, my colleagues at the #WildernessSchool had permission to pick blueberries at the #BlueberryBarrens at #CrystalSpringFarms, and also foraged in the surrounding areas. It's a lovely place and I'm so glad that it's being preserved -- despite all the development in #Maine!

Summer Four Season Walk at Crystal Spring Farm

Tuesday, July 21, 2026
3:00 PM to 5:00 PM

Crystal Spring Farm
277 Pleasant Hill Road
#BrunswickME, 04011 United States

Pre-registration required. Suggested donation $5-$20.

"Come walk the trails at Crystal Spring Farm in Brunswick as we get to know #NativePlants in summer.

Four season walks are a popular series and a staff favorite: each year, we pick a new location, and then take the same walk, once per season. We will all engage in observing and asking questions of our surroundings, and identify the varied plants, shrubs, trees, ferns, and wildlife along the trail. Each season brings something new and spectacular to look at. The goal of these walks is to foster relationships with place through relationships with plants, and encourage further #stewardship of our community spaces. Crystal Spring is home to a lovely blueberry barren #ecosystem that we look forward to visiting together. Thank you to #BrunswickTopshamLandTrust for hosting us!"

FMI and to register:
https://wildseedproject.net/events/summer-four-season-walk-at-crystal-spring-farm

#SolarPunkSunday #MaineEvents #MidcoastMaine #SpendTimeInNature #LandTrust #PreservedLand #ObserveNature #PlantIdentification #NativePlants

So, many years ago, my colleagues at the #WildernessSchool had permission to pick blueberries at the #BlueberryBarrens at #CrystalSpringFarms, and also foraged in the surrounding areas. It's a lovely place and I'm so glad that it's being preserved -- despite all the development in #Maine!

Summer Four Season Walk at Crystal Spring Farm

Tuesday, July 21, 2026
3:00 PM to 5:00 PM

Crystal Spring Farm
277 Pleasant Hill Road
#BrunswickME, 04011 United States

Pre-registration required. Suggested donation $5-$20.

"Come walk the trails at Crystal Spring Farm in Brunswick as we get to know #NativePlants in summer.

Four season walks are a popular series and a staff favorite: each year, we pick a new location, and then take the same walk, once per season. We will all engage in observing and asking questions of our surroundings, and identify the varied plants, shrubs, trees, ferns, and wildlife along the trail. Each season brings something new and spectacular to look at. The goal of these walks is to foster relationships with place through relationships with plants, and encourage further #stewardship of our community spaces. Crystal Spring is home to a lovely blueberry barren #ecosystem that we look forward to visiting together. Thank you to #BrunswickTopshamLandTrust for hosting us!"

FMI and to register:
https://wildseedproject.net/events/summer-four-season-walk-at-crystal-spring-farm

#SolarPunkSunday #MaineEvents #MidcoastMaine #SpendTimeInNature #LandTrust #PreservedLand #ObserveNature #PlantIdentification #NativePlants

So, many years ago, my colleagues at the #WildernessSchool had permission to pick blueberries at the #BlueberryBarrens at #CrystalSpringFarms, and also foraged in the surrounding areas. It's a lovely place and I'm so glad that it's being preserved -- despite all the development in #Maine!

Summer Four Season Walk at Crystal Spring Farm

Tuesday, July 21, 2026
3:00 PM to 5:00 PM

Crystal Spring Farm
277 Pleasant Hill Road
#BrunswickME, 04011 United States

Pre-registration required. Suggested donation $5-$20.

"Come walk the trails at Crystal Spring Farm in Brunswick as we get to know #NativePlants in summer.

Four season walks are a popular series and a staff favorite: each year, we pick a new location, and then take the same walk, once per season. We will all engage in observing and asking questions of our surroundings, and identify the varied plants, shrubs, trees, ferns, and wildlife along the trail. Each season brings something new and spectacular to look at. The goal of these walks is to foster relationships with place through relationships with plants, and encourage further #stewardship of our community spaces. Crystal Spring is home to a lovely blueberry barren #ecosystem that we look forward to visiting together. Thank you to #BrunswickTopshamLandTrust for hosting us!"

FMI and to register:
https://wildseedproject.net/events/summer-four-season-walk-at-crystal-spring-farm

#SolarPunkSunday #MaineEvents #MidcoastMaine #SpendTimeInNature #LandTrust #PreservedLand #ObserveNature #PlantIdentification #NativePlants

Western red #columbine 🧡❤️

#Spring #perennials #Saanich #VictoriaBC #VancouverIsland #VanIsle #PacificNorthwest #PNW #flowers #botanical #plants #NativePlantGarden #Bloomscrolling #florespondence #PollinatorGardens #FlowersIdentification #NativePlantsOfPNW #NativeWildflowers #NativePlants #PlantIdentification #botany #nature