Today I took the first walk to the back of the property this year. The cold, ice and snow have kept me near the house. The stand of sumac with its red seed clusters was the bright source of color today. Sumac is an often overlooked scrub tree. It commonly grows along the roadside with other weeds. We have moved some ditch weeds into our garden. New England aster and sweet rocket are two examples of roadside weeds that we have placed in the garden. This sumac planted itself but we have not cut it down. Occasionally the snow will be littered with the red seed casings scattered by a feeding bird. We will have to pay closer attention to what bird actually feeds on sumac.
Sumac is a major source of Fall color here. The leaves turn a bright solid red. This tree is rather unkempt in general appearance. The picture that shows the red color in a pleasing way has so far escaped us.
Sumac berries can be boiled to make a lemon tasting tea. An elementary school teacher introduced our children to sumac tea but we have yet to try it.
Today's walk was pleasant. The temperature was only in the mid teens F but the sunlight is showing some strength as it climbs higher each day. I walked with my bald solar panel hat-less collecting some natural vitamin D.
2 comments:
Hi Becky .. I am such a fan of Sumac too ! I "pollard" mine and it looked like a palm tree almost. Autumn colour was amazing with it in that structure too .. we have had all sorts of birds feed from its berries .. from Blue Jays to finches .. it is a great tree or stand of trees to have !
Very interesting reading, Becky! I learned a few things I'd never known:)To think you got your bush by 'accident' is kind of a neat thought!
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