THE POISONOUS SUMACS. 
37 
smooth instead of downy. The dwarf sumac, Rhus copallina, is 
usually smaller than the preceding two and is at once distin¬ 
guished by the winged rachis or midvein of the pinnate leaves 
and the entire margin of the leaflets. 
The most dangerous of this genus is the poison sumac or 
Rhus venenata, commonly called dogwood. This closely resem¬ 
bles the three 
species already 
mentioned and 
is the more dan¬ 
gerous because 
of the resem¬ 
blance. It may 
b e recognized, 
however, by sev¬ 
eral peculiarities. 
It grows in 
swamps while 
the other three 
species frequent 
higher ground. It is often abundant in low land, mingling its 
poisonous branches with willow and alder, ready to punish the 
unlucky boy who brushes it aside, unless he be poison-proof. 
Sumac poisoning is usually a serious affair. The nearly erect 
position of the leaflets gives the shrub a peculiar appearance 
noticeable from a distance when growing among bushes of 
about the same height. The fruit is grayish white, which is so 
prominent a distinction from the preceding species whose ber¬ 
ries are red, that the following rhyme has been recommended 
as an aid in preventing disaster: 
“ Berries red, 
Have no dread; 
Berries white, 
Poisonous sight.” 
For the first half of the season, however, there are no berries, 
and then this rule is useless. The shape of the leaves is an 
