314 HOW TO KNOW WILD FRUITS 



POISON SUMAC 



Rhus Vernix. Rhus venenata Sumac Family 



Fruit. — The smooth, somewhat glossy drupe 

 is grayish. It is dry and slightly pear-shaped, 

 with the sides unequal. It grows in open 

 loose clusters from the leaf axils. It closely 

 resembles the fruit of the Poison Ivy. August, 

 September. 



Leaves. — The stalks of the compound leaves 

 are usually purplish. There are from three to 

 thirteen nearly stemless leaflets, which are un- 

 equal at the base. They are a bright shining 

 green, acute at the apex, entire, and obovate 

 or oval. The autumnal colorings are most 

 brilliant. 



Floivers. — The small, greenish yellow, dioe- 

 cious flowers grow in open loose panicles from 

 the leaf axils. 



It is not strange that many an unfortunate, 

 hoping to prolong his enjoyment of the brilliant 

 foliage, should be lured into gathering its 

 autumnal leaves for home decorations. Im- 

 mune, he may be, it is true, but doubtless a long 

 period of suffering will follow his rash act. 



