# Sumac

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Related species of plants in the family Anacardiaceae

This article is about plants of the genus Rhus. For different species commonly known as "poison sumac", see [Toxicodendron vernix](/source/Toxicodendron_vernix). For other uses, see [Sumac (disambiguation)](/source/Sumac_(disambiguation)).

"Sumak" redirects here. For the village in Turkey, see [Sumak, Pertek](/source/Sumak%2C_Pertek).

Sumac Temporal range: Ypresian–Recent PreꞒ Ꞓ O S D C P T J K Pg N Sumac fruit in the autumn season Scientific classification Kingdom: Plantae Clade: Embryophytes Clade: Tracheophytes Clade: Spermatophytes Clade: Angiosperms Clade: Eudicots Clade: Rosids Order: Sapindales Family: Anacardiaceae Subfamily: Anacardioideae Genus: Rhus L.[1] Type species Rhus coriaria L.[2] Species[3] 54; see text Synonyms[3] 12 Synonyms Duckera F.A.Barkley Festania Raf. Lobadium Raf. Melanococca Blume Neostyphonia Shafer Pocophorum Neck. Rhoeidium Greene Schmaltzia Desv. ex DC. Styphonia Nutt. Sumacus Raf. Thezera Raf. Turpinia Raf.

**Sumac** or **sumach**[a] ([/ˈsuːmæk, ˈʃuː-/](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:IPA/English) [*S(H)OO-mak*](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Pronunciation_respelling_key), [UK](/source/British_English) also [/ˈsjuː-/](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:IPA/English))—not to be confused with [poison sumac](/source/Toxicodendron_vernix)—is any of the roughly 35 species of [flowering plants](/source/Flowering_plant) in the [genus](/source/Genus) ***Rhus*** (and related genera) of the [cashew](/source/Cashew) and [mango](/source/Mango) tree family, [Anacardiaceae](/source/Anacardiaceae). However, it is *[Rhus coriaria](/source/Rhus_coriaria)* that is most commonly used for culinary purposes.[4] Sumac is prized as a [spice](/source/Spice)—especially in [Arab cuisine](/source/Arab_cuisine), and other Eastern cuisines—and used as a [dye](/source/Natural_dye) and [holistic](/source/Alternative_medicine) remedy. The plants grow in [subtropical](/source/Subtropics) and [temperate](/source/Temperate_climate) regions, on nearly every continent except Antarctica and South America.[5][6][7] It holds cultural significance as a symbolic item on the *[Haft-sin](/source/Haft-sin)* table during *[Nowruz](/source/Nowruz)*, the [Persian](/source/Iran) New Year.

## Description

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Sumacs are [dioecious](/source/Dioecious) [shrubs](/source/Shrub) and small [trees](/source/Tree) that can reach a height of one to ten metres (3–33 ft). The [leaves](/source/Leaf) of its type species are [pinnately compound](/source/Pinnate),[4] though some species have trifoliate or simple leaves. The [flowers](/source/Flower) are in dense [panicles](/source/Panicle) or spikes 5–30 cm (2–12 in) long, each flower very small, greenish, creamy white or red, with five petals. The [fruits](/source/Fruit) are reddish, thin-fleshed [drupes](/source/Drupe) covered in varying levels of hairs at maturity and form dense clusters at branch tips,[4] sometimes called sumac bobs.

Sumacs propagate both by [seed](/source/Seed) ([spread](/source/Zoochorous) by [birds](/source/Bird) and other animals through their [droppings](/source/Feces)), and by new [shoots](/source/Shoot_(botany)) from [rhizomes](/source/Rhizome), forming large [clonal colonies](/source/Clonal_colony).[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*]

## Etymology

The word *sumac* traces its etymology from Old French *sumac* (13th century), from Mediaeval Latin *sumach*, from Arabic سماق **summāq**, from [Syriac](/source/Syriac_language) [ܣܘܡܩܐ](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/%DC%A3%DC%98%DC%A1%DC%A9%DC%90) **summāqa** meaning "red".[8]

## Taxonomy

The generic name *Rhus* derives from [Ancient Greek](/source/Ancient_Greek) ῥοῦς *rhous* referring to the type species *R. coriaria*,[9][10] of unknown etymology; the suggestion that it is connected with the verb ῥέω *rheō* "to flow"[11] is now rejected by scholars.[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*] The taxonomy of *Rhus* has a long history, with [de Candolle](/source/De_Candolle) proposing a subgeneric classification with 5 sections in 1825. At its largest [circumscription](/source/Circumscription_(taxonomy)), *Rhus*, with over 250 species, has been the largest genus in the family [Anacardiaceae](/source/Anacardiaceae).

Other authors used [subgenera](/source/Subgenera) and placed some species in separate genera, hence the use of *Rhus* *[sensu lato](/source/Sensu_lato)* and *Rhus* *[sensu stricto](/source/Sensu_stricto)* (*s.s.*). One classification uses two subgenera, *Rhus* (about 10 [spp.](/source/Spp.)) and *Lobadium* (about 25 spp.), while at the same time *[Cotinus](/source/Cotinus)*, *[Duckera](/source/Duckera)*, *[Malosma](/source/Malosma)*, *[Metopium](/source/Metopium)*, *[Searsia](/source/Searsia_(plant))* and *[Toxicodendron](/source/Toxicodendron)* segregated to create *Rhus* *s.s.*. Other genera that have been segregated include *[Actinocheita](/source/Actinocheita)* and *[Baronia](/source/Baronia_(plant))*. As defined, *Rhus* *s.s.* appears [monophyletic](/source/Monophyletic) by [molecular phylogeny](/source/Molecular_phylogeny) research. However, the subgenera do not appear to be monophyletic. The larger subgenus, *Lobadium*, has been divided further into sections, *Lobadium*, *Terebinthifolia*, and *Styphonia* (two subsections).[12][13][14]

### Accepted species by continent

As of November 2024, [Plants of the World Online](/source/Plants_of_the_World_Online) accepts 54 species.[3]

**Asia, North Africa and southern Europe**

- *[Rhus amherstensis](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rhus_amherstensis&action=edit&redlink=1)* W.W.Sm.

- *[Rhus chinensis](/source/Rhus_chinensis)* [Mill.](/source/Philip_Miller) – Chinese sumac

- *[Rhus coriaria](/source/Rhus_coriaria)* L. – Sicilian sumac, Tanner's sumac

- *[Rhus dhuna](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rhus_dhuna&action=edit&redlink=1)* Buch.-Ham. ex Hook.f.

- *[Rhus potaninii](/source/Rhus_potaninii)* Maxim. – Potanin's lacquer tree or Chinese varnish tree

- *[Rhus punjabensis](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rhus_punjabensis&action=edit&redlink=1)* J.L.Stewart ex Brandis

- *[Rhus taishanensis](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rhus_taishanensis&action=edit&redlink=1)* S.B.Liang

- *[Rhus teniana](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rhus_teniana&action=edit&redlink=1)* Hand.-Mazz.

- *[Rhus wilsonii](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rhus_wilsonii&action=edit&redlink=1)* Hemsl.

**Australia, Pacific**

- *[Rhus caudata](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rhus_caudata&action=edit&redlink=1)* Lauterb.

- *[Rhus lamprocarpa](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rhus_lamprocarpa&action=edit&redlink=1)* Merr. & L.M.Perry

- *[Rhus lenticellosa](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rhus_lenticellosa&action=edit&redlink=1)* Lauterb.

- *[Rhus linguata](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rhus_linguata&action=edit&redlink=1)* Slis

- *[Rhus sandwicensis](/source/Rhus_sandwicensis)* [A.Gray](/source/Asa_Gray) – *neneleau* or Hawaiian sumac ([Hawaii](/source/Hawaii))

- *[Rhus taitensis](/source/Rhus_taitensis)* [Guill.](/source/Jean_Baptiste_Antoine_Guillemin) (Northeast [Australia](/source/Australia), [Malesia](/source/Malesia), [Micronesia](/source/Micronesia), [French Polynesia](/source/French_Polynesia))

**North America**

- *[Rhus allophyloides](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rhus_allophyloides&action=edit&redlink=1)* Standl.

- *[Rhus andrieuxii](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rhus_andrieuxii&action=edit&redlink=1)* Engl.

- *[Rhus aromatica](/source/Rhus_aromatica)* Aiton – fragrant sumac

- *[Rhus arsenei](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rhus_arsenei&action=edit&redlink=1)* F.A.Barkley

- *[Rhus × ashei](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rhus_%C3%97_ashei&action=edit&redlink=1)* (Small) Greene (*R. glabra* × *R. michauxii*)

- *[Rhus bahamensis](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rhus_bahamensis&action=edit&redlink=1)* G.Don

- *[Rhus barclayi](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rhus_barclayi&action=edit&redlink=1)* (Hemsl.) Standl.

- *[Rhus chondroloma](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rhus_chondroloma&action=edit&redlink=1)* Standl.

- *[Rhus choriophylla](/source/Rhus_choriophylla)* Wooton & Standl.

- *[Rhus ciliolata](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rhus_ciliolata&action=edit&redlink=1)* Turcz.

- *[Rhus copallinum](/source/Rhus_copallinum)* L. – winged or shining sumac

- *[Rhus duckerae](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rhus_duckerae&action=edit&redlink=1)* F.A.Barkley

- *[Rhus galeottii](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rhus_galeottii&action=edit&redlink=1)* Standl.

- *[Rhus glabra](/source/Rhus_glabra)* L. – smooth sumac

- *[Rhus integrifolia](/source/Rhus_integrifolia)* (Nutt.) Benth. & Hook.f. ex W.H.Brewer & S.Watson – lemonade sumac

- *[Rhus jaliscana](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rhus_jaliscana&action=edit&redlink=1)* Standl.

- *[Rhus kearneyi](/source/Rhus_kearneyi)* F.A.Barkley – Kearney sumac

- *[Rhus lanceolata](/source/Rhus_lanceolata)* (A.Gray) Britton – prairie sumac

- *[Rhus lentii](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rhus_lentii&action=edit&redlink=1)* Kellogg

- *[Rhus michauxii](/source/Rhus_michauxii)* Sarg. – Michaux's sumac

- *[Rhus microphylla](/source/Rhus_microphylla)* Engelm. – desert sumac, littleleaf sumac

- *[Rhus muelleri](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rhus_muelleri&action=edit&redlink=1)* Standl. & F.A.Barkley

- *[Rhus nelsonii](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rhus_nelsonii&action=edit&redlink=1)* F.A.Barkley

- *[Rhus oaxacana](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rhus_oaxacana&action=edit&redlink=1)* Loes.

- *[Rhus ovata](/source/Rhus_ovata)* S.Watson – sugar sumac

- *[Rhus pachyrrhachis](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rhus_pachyrrhachis&action=edit&redlink=1)* Hemsl.

- *[Rhus palmeri](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rhus_palmeri&action=edit&redlink=1)* Rose

- *[Rhus × pulvinata](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rhus_%C3%97_pulvinata&action=edit&redlink=1)* Greene (*R. glabra* × *R. typhina*)

- *[Rhus rubifolia](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rhus_rubifolia&action=edit&redlink=1)* Turcz.

- *[Rhus schiedeana](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rhus_schiedeana&action=edit&redlink=1)* Schltdl.

- *[Rhus schmidelioides](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rhus_schmidelioides&action=edit&redlink=1)* Schltdl.

- *[Rhus standleyi](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rhus_standleyi&action=edit&redlink=1)* F.A.Barkley

- *[Rhus tamaulipana](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rhus_tamaulipana&action=edit&redlink=1)* B.L.Turner

- *[Rhus tepetate](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rhus_tepetate&action=edit&redlink=1)* Standl. & F.A.Barkley

- *[Rhus terebinthifolia](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rhus_terebinthifolia&action=edit&redlink=1)* Schltdl. & Cham.

- *[Rhus trilobata](/source/Rhus_trilobata)* [Nutt.](/source/Thomas_Nuttall) – skunkbush sumac

- *[Rhus typhina](/source/Rhus_typhina)* L. – staghorn sumac

- *[Rhus vestita](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rhus_vestita&action=edit&redlink=1)* Loes.

- *[Rhus virens](/source/Rhus_virens)* [Lindh.](/source/Ferdinand_Lindheimer) ex [A.Gray](/source/Asa_Gray)– evergreen sumac

- †*[Rhus boothillensis](/source/Rhus_boothillensis)* Flynn, DeVore, & Pigg-[Ypresian](/source/Ypresian), Washington

- †*[Rhus garwellii](/source/Rhus_garwellii)* Flynn, DeVore, & Pigg-[Ypresian](/source/Ypresian), Washington

- †*[Rhus malloryi](/source/Rhus_malloryi)* [Wolfe](/source/Jack_A._Wolfe) & [Wehr](/source/Wesley_C._Wehr) – [Ypresian](/source/Ypresian), Washington

- †*[Rhus republicensis](/source/Rhus_republicensis)* Flynn, DeVore, & Pigg-[Ypresian](/source/Ypresian), Washington

- †*[Rhus rooseae](/source/Rhus_rooseae)* Manchester – [Middle Eocene](/source/Middle_Eocene), Oregon

#### Formerly placed here

- *[Searsia mysorensis](/source/Searsia_mysorensis)* (G.Don) Moffett (as *Rhus mysorensis* G.Don) – Mysore sumac

		- Drupes of a staghorn sumac in Coudersport, Pennsylvania

		- A young branch of staghorn sumac

		- Winged sumac leaves and flowers

		- *[Rhus](/source/Rhus)* hybrid fossil – about 49.5 million years old, Early [Ypresian](/source/Ypresian), [Klondike Mountain Formation](/source/Klondike_Mountain_Formation), Washington

## Cultivation and uses

Sumac spice

Species including the fragrant sumac (*[R. aromatica](/source/Rhus_aromatica)*), the littleleaf sumac (*[R. microphylla](/source/Rhus_microphylla)*), the smooth sumac ([*R. glabra*](/source/Rhus_glabra)), and the staghorn sumac ([*R. typhina*](/source/Rhus_typhina)) are grown for [ornament](/source/Ornamental_plant), either as the wild types or as [cultivars](/source/Cultivar).[15][16][17][18]

### In food

The dried fruits of some species are ground to produce a tangy, crimson spice popular in many countries.[19][20] Fruits are also used to make a traditional "[pink lemonade](/source/Lemonade#Pink_lemonade)" beverage by steeping them in water, straining to remove the hairs that may irritate the mouth or throat, sometimes adding sweeteners such as honey or sugar. Sumac's tart flavor comes from high amounts of [malic acid](/source/Malic_acid).[21]

The fruits ([drupes](/source/Drupe)) of *[Rhus coriaria](/source/Rhus_coriaria)* are ground into a reddish-purple powder used as a [spice](/source/Spice) in many different cuisines to add a tart, [lemony](/source/Lemon) taste to salads or meat.[19] In [Arab cuisine](/source/Arab_cuisine), it is used as a garnish on *[meze](/source/Meze)* dishes such as [hummus](/source/Hummus) and *[tashi](/source/Tashi_(dip))*; it is also commonly added to [falafel](/source/Falafel). Sumac is one of the main ingredients of Kubah Sumakieh in [Aleppo](/source/Aleppo) of [Syria](/source/Syria), is added to salads in the [Levant](/source/Levant), and is one of the main ingredients in the Palestinian dish *[musakhan](/source/Musakhan)*. In [Afghan](/source/Afghan_cuisine), [Armenian](/source/Armenian_cuisine), [Iraqi](/source/Iraqi_cuisine), [Iranian](/source/Iranian_cuisine) and [Mizrahi](/source/Mizrahi_cuisine) cuisines, sumac is added to rice and grilled meats. In [Armenian](/source/Armenian_cuisine), [Azerbaijani](/source/Azerbaijani_cuisine), [Central Asian](/source/Central_Asian_cuisine), [Syrian](/source/Syrian_cuisine), [Iraqi](/source/Iraqi_cuisine), [Jordanian](/source/Jordanian_cuisine), [Palestinian](/source/Palestinian_cuisine), [Lebanese](/source/Lebanese_cuisine), [Turkish](/source/Turkish_cuisine) and [Kurdish](/source/Kurdish_cuisine) cuisines, it is added to salads and *[lahmajoun](/source/Lahmajoun)*. Sumac from *R. coriaria* is used in the Levantine spice mixture *[za'atar](/source/Za'atar)*.[22][23]

In [medieval Europe](/source/Middle_Ages), primarily from the thirteenth to fifteenth centuries, sumac appeared in cookbooks frequently used by the affluent. One dish in particular called *[sumāqiyya](/source/Sumaghiyyeh)*, a stew made from sumac, was frequently rendered as "somacchia" by Europeans.[24]

In North America, the smooth sumac (*[R. glabra](/source/Rhus_glabra)*), three-leaf sumac (*[R. trilobata](/source/Rhus_trilobata)*), and staghorn sumac (*[R. typhina](/source/Rhus_typhina)*) are sometimes used to make a beverage termed "sumac-ade", "Indian lemonade", or "rhus juice".[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*] This drink is made by soaking the drupes in cool water, rubbing them to extract the essence, straining the liquid through a cotton cloth, and sweetening it. Native Americans also use the leaves and drupes of these sumacs combined with [tobacco](/source/Tobacco) in traditional smoking mixtures.[25][26][27]

### Dye and tanning agent

The leaves and bark of most sumac species contain high levels of [tannins](/source/Tannin) and have been used in the manufacturing of leather by many cultures around the world. The Hebrew name *og ha-bursaka'im* means "tanner's sumac", as does the Latin name of *[R. coriaria](/source/Rhus_coriaria)*. The leaves of certain sumacs yield [tannin](/source/Tannin) (mostly [pyrogallol](/source/Pyrogallol-type_tannin)-type), a substance used in vegetable [tanning](/source/Tanning_(leather)). Notable sources include the leaves of *R. coriaria*,[28] Chinese gall on *[R. chinensis](/source/Rhus_chinensis)*, and wood and roots of *[R. pentaphylla](/source/Rhus_pentaphylla)*. [Leather](/source/Leather) tanned with sumac is flexible, light in weight, and light in color. One type of leather made with sumac tannins is [morocco leather](/source/Morocco_leather).[29]

The dyeing property of sumac needed to be considered when it was shipped as a fine floury substance in sacks as a light cargo accompanying heavy cargoes such as marble. Sumac was especially dangerous to marble: "When sumac dust settles on white marble, the result is not immediately apparent, but if it once becomes wet, or even damp, it becomes a powerful purple dye, which penetrates the marble to an extraordinary depth."[30]

[Ibn Badis](/source/Ibn_Badis) describes a formula for making red ink out of leeched sumac mixed with gum.[31]

Sumac-dye (黄櫨染, *kōrozen*) was used for only the outerwear of the [Emperor of Japan](/source/Emperor_of_Japan), thus being one of the [forbidden colors](/source/Forbidden_colors_(Japan)).[32][33]

### Traditional medicinal use

Sumac was used as a treatment for several different ailments in medieval medicine, primarily in West, Central and South Asian countries (where sumac was more readily available than in Europe). An 11th-century shipwreck off the coast of [Rhodes](/source/Rhodes), excavated by archeologists in the 1970s, contained commercial quantities of sumac [drupes](/source/Drupe). These could have been intended for use as medicine, as a culinary spice, or as a dye.[34] A clinical study showed that dietary sumac decreases the [blood pressure](/source/Blood_pressure) in patients with [hypertension](/source/Hypertension) and can be used as [adjunctive treatment](/source/Adjunctive_treatment).[35]

### Other uses

Some beekeepers use dried sumac bobs as a source of fuel for their [smokers](/source/Bee_smoker).[36]

Sumac stems also have a soft pith in the center that is easily removed to make them useful in traditional Native American pipemaking. They were commonly used as pipe stems in the northern United States.[37]

Dried sumac wood [fluoresces](/source/Fluorescence) under long-wave [ultraviolet](/source/Ultraviolet) radiation.[38]

## Toxicity and control

Some species formerly recognized in *Rhus*, such as [poison ivy](/source/Poison_ivy) (*Toxicodendron radicans*, [syn.](/source/Syn.) *Rhus toxicodendron*), [poison oak](/source/Rhus_diversiloba) (*Toxicodendron diversilobum*, syn. *Rhus diversiloba*), and [poison sumac](/source/Poison_sumac) (*Toxicodendron vernix*, syn. *Rhus vernix*), produce the allergen [urushiol](/source/Urushiol) and can cause severe delayed hypersensitivity reactions. Poison sumac may be identified by its white drupes, which are quite different from the red drupes of true *Rhus* species.[39]

Mowing of sumac is not a good control measure, since the wood is springy, resulting in jagged, sharp-pointed stumps when mown. The plant will quickly recover with new growth after mowing.[40] [Goats](/source/Goats) have long been considered an efficient and quick removal method, as they eat the bark, which helps prevent new shoots. Sumac propagates by [rhizome](/source/Rhizome). Small shoots will be found growing near a more mature sumac tree via a shallow running root quite some distance from the primary tree. Thus, root pruning is a means of control without eliminating the plants altogether.[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*]

## Explanatory notes

1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** Other spellings include **sumak**, **soumak**, and **sumaq**.

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-GRIN_1-0)** ["*Rhus* L."](https://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/genus.pl?10433) *Germplasm Resources Information Network*. United States Department of Agriculture. 2009-11-23. Retrieved 2010-02-09.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** ["*Rhus* L."](http://www.tropicos.org/Name/40025260) *TROPICOS*. Missouri Botanical Garden. Retrieved 2010-02-09.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-powo_3-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-powo_3-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-powo_3-2) ["*Rhus* L."](https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/30005665-2). *[Plants of the World Online](/source/Plants_of_the_World_Online)*. [Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew](/source/Royal_Botanic_Gardens%2C_Kew). Retrieved 3 November 2024.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-H_5-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-H_5-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-H_5-2) Sakhr, Khaula; El Khatib, Sami (January 2020). ["Physiochemical properties and medicinal, nutritional and industrial applications of Lebanese Sumac (Syrian Sumac - Rhus coriaria): A review"](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7002821). *Heliyon*. **6** (1) e03207. [Bibcode](/source/Bibcode_(identifier)):[2020Heliy...603207S](https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2020Heliy...603207S). [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e03207](https://doi.org/10.1016%2Fj.heliyon.2020.e03207). [PMC](/source/PMC_(identifier)) [7002821](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7002821). [PMID](/source/PMID_(identifier)) [32042964](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32042964).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** ["Rhus in Flora of China"](http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=2&taxon_id=128455). *eFloras*. Retrieved 8 February 2023.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** ["USDA Plants Database"](https://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=RHUS). *plants.usda.gov*. Retrieved 2023-02-08.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** Miller, Allison J.; Young, David A.; Wen, Jun (2001). "Phylogeny and Biogeography of Rhus (Anacardiaceae) Based on ITS Sequence Data". *International Journal of Plant Sciences*. **162** (6): 1401–1407. [Bibcode](/source/Bibcode_(identifier)):[2001IJPlS.162.1401M](https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2001IJPlS.162.1401M). [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1086/322948](https://doi.org/10.1086%2F322948). [JSTOR](/source/JSTOR_(identifier)) [10.1086/322948](https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.1086/322948).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** ["sumac"](https://www.etymonline.com/word/sumac). *www.etymonline.com*. Retrieved 26 June 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** ["ῥοῦς"](https://lsj.gr/wiki/%E1%BF%A5%CE%BF%E1%BF%A6%CF%82). *LSJ*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** Totelin, Laurence M. V. (2009). [*Hippocratic Recipes: Oral and Written Transmission of Pharmacological Knowledge in Fifth- And Fourth-Century Greece*](https://books.google.com/books?id=q-TiIMgrLCgC&q=%E1%BF%A5%CE%BF%E1%BF%A6%CF%82&pg=PA146). Leiden, Netherlands: BRILL. p. 146. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-90-04-17154-1](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-90-04-17154-1).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** ["Rhus | Definition of Rhus by Oxford Dictionary on Lexico.com also meaning of Rhus"](https://web.archive.org/web/20220319095138/https://www.lexico.com/definition/rhus). *Lexico Dictionaries | English*. Archived from [the original](https://www.lexico.com/definition/rhus) on March 19, 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEMiller_et_al2001_13-0)** [Miller et al 2001](#CITEREFMiller_et_al2001).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEPell2004_14-0)** [Pell 2004](#CITEREFPell2004).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEAndrés-HernándezTerrazas2009_15-0)** [Andrés-Hernández & Terrazas 2009](#CITEREFAndrés-HernándezTerrazas2009).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-16)** ["Plant Database: Rhus typhina"](https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=RHTY). *www.wildflower.org*. 2015-06-18. Retrieved 2020-09-28.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-17)** ["Plant Database: Rhus glabra"](https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=rhgl). *www.wildflower.org*. 2017-12-12. Retrieved 2020-09-28.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-18)** ["Plant Database: Rhus aromatica"](https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=RHAR4). *www.wildflower.org*. 2017-11-03. Retrieved 2020-09-28.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-19)** ["Plant database: Rhus microphylla"](https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=RHMI3). *www.wildflower.org*. 2009-02-20. Retrieved 2020-09-28.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-taste_20-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-taste_20-1) One may use sumac as a tisane or tea substitute by boiling the dried leaves.[Sumac - Ingredients - Taste.com.au](http://www.taste.com.au/how+to/articles/52/sumac)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-21)** ["North American Sumacs You Should Know About"](https://www.thespruce.com/sumac-trees-and-shrubs-3269722). *The Spruce*. Retrieved 2023-02-08.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-22)** ["Comparative Study on the Chemical Composition of Syrian Sumac ( Rhus coriaria L.) and Chinese Sumac ( Rhus typhina L.) Fruits"](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/46033244).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-23)** Christine Manfield, Charlie Trotter, Ashley Barber -Spice 2008 - Page 28 "Sumac This reddish ground spice is made from the berries of the sumac bush,"

1. **[^](#cite_ref-24)** Aliza Green *Field Guide to Herbs & Spices: How to Identify, Select, and Use ...* 2006 - Page 257 "In Lebanon, Syria, and Egypt, sumac is cooked with water to a thick sour paste, which is added to meat and vegetable dishes; this method was also common in Roman times. Sumac appears in the middle eastern spice mixture za'atar (page 288) ..."

1. **[^](#cite_ref-25)** Ibn Sayyār al-Warrāq, al-Muẓaffar ibn Naṣr (2010). *Annals of the Caliphs' Kitchens: Ibn Sayyār al-Warrāq's Tenth-century Baghdadi Cookbook* (Rev. ed.). Leiden, Netherlands: Brill. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-90-04-18811-2](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-90-04-18811-2). [OCLC](/source/OCLC_(identifier)) [773412426](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/773412426).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-26)** ["BRIT Native American Ethnobotany Database, Rhus glabra"](http://naeb.brit.org/uses/search/?string=rhus+glabra).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-27)** ["BRIT Native American Ethnobotany Database, Rhus trilobata"](http://naeb.brit.org/uses/search/?string=rhus+trilobata).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-28)** ["BRIT Native American Ethnobotany Database, Rhus typhina"](http://naeb.brit.org/uses/search/?string=rhus+typhina).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-29)** [Abū ʿAlī al-Ḥusain bin ʿAbdallāh bin Sīnā](/source/Avicenna). Farooqi, Maulana A. H.; Vohora, S. B. (eds.). *[Al-Qānūn Fīl-Ṭibb](/source/The_Canon_of_Medicine)* (English 1998 ed.). New Delhi, India: [Jamia Hamdard](/source/Jamia_Hamdard). pp. 270–271.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-30)** Davis, Charles Thomas (1885). [*The Manufacture of Leather: Being a Description of All of the Processes for the Tanning, Tawing, Currying, Finishing and Dyeing of Every Kind of Leather*](https://archive.org/details/manufactureoflea01davi). Philadelphia, H. C. Baird & co.; etc.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-31)** Lee, Arthur (1888). *Marble and marble workers: a handbook for architects, artists, masons and students*. London: Crosby Lockwood & Son. p. 19.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-32)** Levey, Martin (1962). "Mediaeval Arabic Bookmaking and Its Relation to Early Chemistry and Pharmacology". *Transactions of the American Philosophical Society*. **52** (4): 24. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.2307/1005932](https://doi.org/10.2307%2F1005932). [JSTOR](/source/JSTOR_(identifier)) [1005932](https://www.jstor.org/stable/1005932).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-33)** Shaver, R. (2013). [*Kabuki Costume*](https://books.google.com/books?id=Pf3PAgAAQBAJ). Tuttle Publishing. p. 79. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-1-4629-0398-6](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-4629-0398-6).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-34)** Nihon Shikisai Gakkai (1985). *Shinpen shikisai kagaku handobukku* (in Japanese). Tokyo Daigaku Shuppankai. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [4-13-061000-7](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/4-13-061000-7).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-35)** Bass, George Fletcher; Allan, James W. (2003). [*Serçe Limanı: An Eleventh-century Shipwreck*](https://books.google.com/books?id=E6ZJ-05aC-sC&pg=PA506). Texas A&M University Press. p. 506. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-89096-947-2](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-89096-947-2).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-36)** Ardalani, Hamidreza; Moghadam, Maryam Hassanpour; Rahimi, Roja; Soltani, Jalal; Mozayanimonfared, Azadeh; Moradi, Mehdi; Azizi, Ali (2016). ["Sumac as a novel adjunctive treatment in hypertension: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial"](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/291274108). *RSC Advances*. **6** (14): 11507–11512. [Bibcode](/source/Bibcode_(identifier)):[2016RSCAd...611507A](https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2016RSCAd...611507A). [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1039/C5RA22840A](https://doi.org/10.1039%2FC5RA22840A).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-37)** Avitabile, Alphonse. Sammataro, Diana. The Beekeeper's Handbook. Publisher: Comstock 1998. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0801485039](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0801485039)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-38)** Lewis, Thomas H. The Medicine Men: Oglala Sioux Ceremony and Healing. Publisher: University of Nebraska Press. 1992. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0803279391](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0803279391)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-39)** Hoadley, R. Bruce (2000). ["Chapter 5: Other Properties of Wood"](https://books.google.com/books?id=zjJTsHvHoZ0C). *Understanding Wood: a Craftsman's Guide to Wood Technology* (2 ed.). Taunton Press. pp. 105–107. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-1-56158-358-4](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-56158-358-4).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-40)** ["Poison sumac"](https://www.britannica.com/plant/poison-sumac). Encyclopedia Britannica.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-41)** Ortmann, John; Miles, Katherine L.; Stubbendieck, James H.; Schacht, Walter (1997). ["Management of Smooth Sumac on Grasslands"](http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2298&context=extensionhist). Historical Materials from University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension. University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Retrieved July 27, 2024.

## Further reading

- Andrés-Hernández, A. R.; Terrazas, Teresa (October 2009). ["Leaf architecture of *Rhus* s.str. (Anacardiaceae)"](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/230321099). *Feddes Repertorium*. **120** (5–6): 293–306. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1002/fedr.200911109](https://doi.org/10.1002%2Ffedr.200911109).

- Miller, Allison J.; Young, David A.; Wen, Jun (2001). "Phylogeny and Biogeography of *Rhus* (Anacardiaceae) Based on ITS Sequence Data". *[International Journal of Plant Sciences](/source/International_Journal_of_Plant_Sciences)*. **162** (6): 1401–1407. [Bibcode](/source/Bibcode_(identifier)):[2001IJPlS.162.1401M](https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2001IJPlS.162.1401M). [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1086/322948](https://doi.org/10.1086%2F322948). [S2CID](/source/S2CID_(identifier)) [85287571](https://api.semanticscholar.org/CorpusID:85287571).

- Moffett, RO. "A Revision of Southern African Rhus species". *FSA* (*Flora of South Africa*) vol 19 (3) Fascicle 1.

- Pell, Susan Katherine (May 2004). [*Molecular systematics of the cashew family (Anacardiaceae)*](https://web.archive.org/web/20100714020746/http://etd.lsu.edu/docs/available/etd-04152004-101232/unrestricted/Pell_dis.pdf) (PDF) (PhD). Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University. Archived from [the original](http://etd.lsu.edu/docs/available/etd-04152004-101232/unrestricted/Pell_dis.pdf) (PDF) on 14 July 2010.

- Schmidt, Ernst; Lötter, Mervyn; McCleland, Warren (2002). *Trees and Shrubs of Mpumalanga and Kruger National Park*. Jacana Media. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-1-919777-30-6](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-919777-30-6).

## External links

- Media related to [Rhus](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Rhus) at Wikimedia Commons

v t e Culinary herbs and spices Herbs Angelica Basil Holy Thai Lemon Bay leaf Indian bay leaf (tejpat) Boldo Borage Chervil Chives garlic / Chinese Cicely Coriander leaf / Cilantro Bolivian Vietnamese (rau răm) Culantro Cress Curry leaf Dill Epazote Hemp Hoja santa Houttuynia cordata (giấp cá) Hyssop Jimbu Kinh gioi (Vietnamese balm) Kkaennip Lavender Lemon balm Lemon grass Lemon myrtle Lemon verbena Limnophila aromatica (rice-paddy herb) Lovage Marjoram Mint Mugwort Mitsuba Oregano Parsley Perilla Rosemary Rue Sage Savory Sanshō leaf Shiso Sorrel Tarragon Thyme Woodruff Spices Aonori Ajwain Alligator pepper Allspice Amchoor Anise Asafoetida Black pepper Brazilian pepper Camphor Caraway Cardamom black Cassia Celery powder Celery seed Charoli Chenpi Chili Chili powder Cayenne Chipotle Crushed red pepper Jalapeño New Mexico Tabasco Cultivars Cinnamon Clove Coriander seed Cubeb Cumin Nigella sativa Bunium persicum Deulkkae Dill / Dill seed Fennel Fenugreek blue Fingerroot Galangal greater lesser Garlic Ginger Aromatic ginger Golpar Grains of paradise Grains of Selim Horseradish Japanese pricklyash Juniper berry Kokum Korarima Dried lime Liquorice Litsea cubeba Long pepper Mango-ginger Mastic Mahleb Mustard black brown white Nigella Njangsa Nutmeg Onion powder Paprika Peruvian pepper Pomegranate seed Poppy seed Radhuni Rose Saffron Sarsaparilla Sassafras Sesame Shiso Sichuan pepper (huājiāo) Star anise Sumac Tamarind Tasmanian pepper Tonka bean Turmeric Uzazi Vanilla Voatsiperifery Wasabi Yuzu zest Zedoary Zereshk Zest Blends Adjika Advieh Baharat Beau monde seasoning Berbere Bouquet garni Buknu Chaat masala Chaunk Cinnamon sugar Crab boil Curry powder Doubanjiang Douchi Duqqa Fines herbes Five-spice powder Garam masala Garlic powder Garlic salt Gochujang Harissa Hawaij Herbes de Provence Húng lìu Idli podi Italian seasoning Jamaican jerk spice Khmeli suneli Lemon pepper Mitmita Mixed spice Montreal steak seasoning Mulling spices Old Bay Seasoning Panch phoron Persillade Powder-douce Pumpkin pie spice Qâlat daqqa Quatre épices Ras el hanout Recado rojo Sharena sol Shichimi Tabil Tajin Tandoori masala Thuna paha Vadouvan Yuzu koshō Za'atar Lists Culinary By region Australian Bangladeshi Indian Pakistani Related topics Chinese herbology Herbal tea Marination Seasoning Spice rub

Taxon identifiers Rhus Wikidata: Q157649 Wikispecies: Rhus APDB: 194411 APNI: 69394 BioLib: 3622 BOLD: 121436 CoL: 63QFF EoL: 37840 EPPO: 1RHUG FNA: 128455 FoAO2: Rhus FoC: 128455 GBIF: 3190534 GRIN: 10433 iNaturalist: 54765 IPNI: 30005665-2 IRMNG: 1022537 ITIS: 28772 NBN: NHMSYS0000462380 NCBI: 4012 NZOR: 2052f188-620c-4457-a9a2-47121be0ff6d Open Tree of Life: 350866 Paleobiology Database: 54685 PLANTS: RHUS POWO: urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30005665-2 Tropicos: 40025260 VASCAN: 1621 WFO: wfo-4000033095

Authority control databases National Israel Other Yale LUX

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Sumac](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sumac) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sumac?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.