I’ve seen so many of these red berry bushes on the trails and wondered what they are. In doing some research, I learned they are called Smooth Sumac. (Click on blog link for other photo.)

This particular Sumac is called Smooth Sumac, which is not poisonous,  and grows  from  8 to 15 feet tall.  It provides winter food for hundreds of bird species and nectar for pollinators.  An interesting fact is that you can also soak the red berries in cold water to make a tart, vitamin-C-rich drink.

Have you seen any of these Smooth Sumac bushes along the trails?