Help identifying small tree/shrub in my yard

[ageerdes]

I have a picture if anyone would be willing to help me. I have this small tree growing in my backyard, and it has become my favorite tree in my yard over the years, and I don't want to lose it. If anyone could help id the tree I would better know what kind of care it needs if any to keep it alive and healthy. Thank you!

[Gnome]

ageerdes,

We would certainly be willing to try to ID your tree. Look here for assistance with posting pictures.

Norm

[ageerdes]

[ageerdes]

And thank you for the help with the photos I didnt post one cause I didnt know how. It's not the best picture if you need more pictures I can take some close ups or something thank you so much! I think its some kind of sumac by the weird cone shaped buds that come up out of the leaves but it doesn't change colors like I thought it should.... as I said its just a very interesting tree and everyone thinks it looks neat, Even if it is just a sumac

[ageerdes]

this is taken with my 6 year old son for frame of reference for size

[ageerdes]

A close up of leaves and the "bud" thing that leads me to think its a sumac...

[bullthistle]

Yep a sumac, don't know what variety though. They say the fruit when boiled tastes like lemonade.

[a0c8c]

Aren't some Sumac poisonous? I'm pretty sure I've heard of Poison Sumac before. I'd definately get a definate ID on it before injesting it.

[ageerdes]

Well neither me, or my kids, are affected by poison ivy, so if it is poison sumac we probably wouldn't know but we've all touched it and nothing happened to us.... Do you just boil the fruit? Is there any special way to do it? I'm eager to try this now!

[ABCDgoldfish]

I love sumac too. The leaves turn a gorgeous red in the fall. Just be prepared to do a fair amount of sucker management, unless you want a sumac grove! Your sumac will send sprouts up out of the grass around it.

Poison sumac has white berries, like poison ivy, so no worries.
Sumac lemonade is very simple to make (no boiling!) But the flavor very much depends on picking the berries at perfect ripeness.

Here's a nice detailed description of how to make a perfect pitcher of sumac lemonade, with great tips on harvesting the berries.
http://www.countrysidemag.com/issues/87/87-4/Sam_Thayer.html

[MagnoliaMan]

I believe that would be cutleaf staghorn sumac, Rhus typhina laciniata. Definitely not poisonous. Tends to spread by sucker growth from the roots. Handsome foliage, great fall color!
MagnoliaMan