Staghorn sumac

Standing sentinel along stretches of the Delaware River are the rust-red spears of staghorn sumac. A member of the cashew family, the bright flags that linger after summer foliage falls away begin to resemble something from a Dr. Seuss book as the seasons progress.

The “Peterson’s Guide to Medicinal Plants and Herbs” notes that American Indians used its berries in cough syrups, while berry tea was prepared for “female disorders” and lung ailments. Tea brewed from its leaves was used to treat sore throats and tonsillitis and to expel worms.

Smooth sumac, while similar, lacks the velvety covering that distinguishes staghorn sumac. Neither should be confused with poison sumac, which has white fruits and grows in or near swamps. Considered one of the more dangerous North American plants, poison sumac contains sap that is toxic to humans, though not to wildlife such as pheasants, grouse and rabbits, which rely on it during winter when food is scarce.