Staghorn sumac (Rhus typhina) is ubiquitous along Michigan’s roadsides in summer. The fuzzy red fruiting body and its leaves resembling a giant prehistoric fern make it easily identifiable, even at 70 miles per hour. We really notice it in the fall when the leaves turn and the whole plant becomes a bright red indicator of the changing season. It’s found throughout the state.
But did you know Michigan has four other native sumacs?
– Fragrant sumac (Rhus aromatica) is mostly in the southern lower peninsula, except for Drummond Island. Usually less than a meter tall, its flower is much sparser and less showy than staghorn.
– Shining sumac (Rhus copallina) is restricted to the west coast and the southern counties. As you might expect, the leaves are…shiny. The fruiting body has a more loose, plume-like appearance.
– Smooth sumac (Rhus glabra) is found everywhere from the Keweenaw Peninsula to Monroe County. It may hybridize with staghorn and is similar in appearance.
– Poison sumac (Toxicodendron vernix) is the black sheep of the family. Though not a Rhus, it is also in the family Anacardiaceae. It has a more sprawling habit, and the sparse flower plumes are held lower on the plant instead of on top.
Photo credit: U of M Herbarium, J. Kelly photo
Breakfast/Lunch at the Park
Thanks to our supporters this year’s annual Breakfast/Lunch at the Park was a great success! We raised over $70,000 for Ottawa County Parks.
Thank you to our sponsors!
Thanks to our sponsors, 100% of the proceeds from the events will go to support our mission!
There is still an opportunity to donate if you missed the event.
A special thank you to our sponsors:
The Crane Family Fund in Memory of Marilyn J. Crane
The Park Sustainers Club is a unique group of donors whose monthly investment allows us to complete special projects that can’t be accomplished within the County Parks’ budget, like building trail connections, adding land and upgrading facilities.
Featured Park: Adams Street Landing
10363 Adams St. (approx.)
Holland, MI 49423
Adams Street Landing is a ten-acre site with mature trees and 1200 feet of frontage on the Macatawa River. Visitors will enjoy fishing, picnicking as well as a launch site for canoes and kayaks.
summer. The fuzzy red fruiting body and its leaves resembling a giant prehistoric fern make it easily identifiable, even at 70 miles per hour. We really notice it in the fall when the leaves turn and the whole plant becomes a bright red indicator of the changing season. It’s found throughout the state.