Which Sumac Trees Are Poisonous?

Whereas poison sumac is known to botanists as Toxicodendron vernix, staghorn sumac is classified as Rhus typhina. The very genus name of poison sumac indicates its toxic nature.

How do you identify poison sumac?

Poison sumac has clusters of white or light-green berries that sag downward on its branches, while the red berries of harmless sumac sit upright. Also, each stem on the poison sumac plant has a cluster of leaflets with smooth edges, while harmless sumac leaves have jagged edges.

Are sumac trees poisonous to touch?

One distinguishing feature of the berries of poison sumac is that they aren't perfectly round. Although toxic to the touch for humans, poison sumac berries are not toxic to birds.