winged sumac
winged sumac
Can grow up to 30ft (why they call it dwarf is beyond me). Red hairy fruit. Recognized by leafy wings” running along branches between the leaves. Small yellow green flowers. Berries, bark and leaves used. Young, peeled green shoots are good to eat. Berries can be chewed or made into tea. The hairs on the berries are covered in malic acid, giving it a tart taste. Malic acid is good for helping dissolve kidney and gallstones. The seeds have tannic acid. Filter hairs and excess acid away by running hot water over berries through cloth, then a coffee filter. Drink this water and toss berries. If brewed too long, they become too bitter.
Edible Plant Guide © 2012 Markus Rothkranz