Definition

Noun: 1. A deciduous shrub or small tree native to eastern North America: This plant is characterized by compound leaves that undergo a dramatic color change to a brilliant red in autumn. It produces dense clusters of greenish-yellow flowers, which are followed by clusters of deep red, acidic berries.

Usage Notes

• "Velvet sumac" is the common name for a specific species of sumac (). It is also frequently called staghorn sumac, a name derived from the velvety, antler-like texture of its young branches.
• It is primarily used as a botanical term to identify the plant. In everyday language, people might refer to it by its common name when discussing gardening, landscaping, native plants, or autumn foliage.

Examples

• The brilliant scarlet of the velvet sumac is a highlight of the fall landscape.
• We planted a velvet sumac in the corner of the garden to attract birds with its berries.
• The dense, conical fruit clusters of the velvet sumac persist on the branches through winter.

Advanced Usage

• The plant is sometimes used in ecological restoration projects because it is hardy and can thrive in poor soils.
• While many sumac species are known for causing skin irritation (e.g., poison sumac), velvet sumac is generally not irritating and its berries can be used to make a tart, lemonade-like drink.

Variants and Related Words

• Staghorn sumac (n): The most common synonym for velvet sumac.
• Rhus typhina (n): The scientific, Latin name for the species.
• Sumac (n): The general name for plants in the genus . (Note: This is a broader category; "velvet sumac" is a specific type of sumac.)

Synonyms

• Staghorn sumac
• Vinegar tree

Different Meanings

• The word "velvet" alone refers to a soft, smooth fabric.
• The word "sumac" alone can refer to other species within the same genus, some of which may be poisonous (e.g., poison sumac). Therefore, the specific compound term "velvet sumac" is important for clear identification of the non-poisonous, ornamental species.

Noun

1. deciduous shrubby tree or eastern North America with compound leaves that turn brilliant red in fall and dense panicles of greenish yellow flowers followed by crimson acidic berries