The growth and height pattern
of the sumac shrub depends on the geographic location of the
plant. Sumac shrubs growing in the northern regions
can reach 7 feet tall. Shrubs in southern regions usually
reach 4 feet in height and are round in shape. (1)
Sumac shrubs have thicket branches
and twigs that are long and flexible. When branches are
broken they have an unpleasant aroma which is why it is nicknamed
the skunk-bush. (7)
The flowers are small white/yellowish
clusters that bloom in the spring. (5,6)
The leaves are alternate and
3-6 cm long. Each leaf has three leaflets which are variable
in size and shape of the bush. The leaves are green in the
summer and turn red/orange in the fall. (5,7,8)
The fruit of the sumac shrub
have sticky, hairy berries that are red to orange in color. These
berries are acidic and have a smell similar to limes. (1,5)
These shrubs grow in dry slopes,
mesas, valleys, canyons, along streams, and in the mountains. (1,6,8)
There are numerous medicinal uses of the Rhus
trilobata documented today. These uses vary with the
part of the plant used, because different parts of the plant
contain different chemicals (see - Active ingredients). Several Native American tribes use only
specific parts of the sumac. Some of the known uses of the
plant are as follows: (4)
Plant Organ
Medicinal
Use
Bark
Cold remedy, in which
the bark is chewed and the juice is swallowed
Oral aid, in which
the bark is chewed
Gynecological aid,
in which the bark is boiled and the concoction is used as a douche
after childbirth
Fruit
Dermatological aid
used to prevent hair loss
Astringent
The treatment of smallpox
Toothache remedy, in
which the fruit is chewed
Veterinary aid
Gastrointestinal Aid,
in which the fruit is consumed
Leaves
Gastrointestinal Aid,
in which the leaves are boiled
Contraception aid,
in which the leaves are boiled to cause impotency
Diuretic aid, in which
the leaves are boiled
Roots
Dermatological aid,
in which the root is used as a deodorant
Rhus trilobata has several non-medicinal uses as well. For
example, many Native American tribes use the branches for basketry
because the branches are strong and flexible. Twigs are used
to make cradles, fishing tools, and decorations. Twigs are
utilized for many ceremonial purposes. They are used as
prayer sticks and to make sacred baskets that are used in ceremonies.
Large stems are used to make bows. Sunshades
or hats are made from the stems. Stems can also be
used as a string to sew up water containers.
Dry
sumac leaves, mixed with tobacco, can be used for smoking. The
leaves are also used for ceremonial purposes. Some tribes
tend to use the sumac leaves during prayer as a symbol of protection.
Fruit
berries are used for food and beverages. Berries are boiled
to make tea and also lemonade. The lemonade can be consumed
to refresh the body. Mixed with corn meal, the berries are
eaten as a porridge. The berries are also used to make bread
and cake.
All
parts of the sumac can be used to make dyes for baskets and rugs. The
plant part selected depends on the desired color. (4)
Tannic and
Gallic acids are active compounds found in Rhus trilobata. (3)
Tannic acids are found in the leaves and fruits of the sumac. The
properties of Tannic Acid are: (2)
Antibacterial
Antidermatotic
Antigingivitic
Antihemorrhoidal
Antiseptic
Astringent
Antiulcer
Antiviral
Gallic acid
is found in the leaves of the sumac. Biological activities
of gallic acid include: (2)
Oklahoma Biological Survey. Last
Updated: 17 September 1999. Rhus trilobata Nutt. Catalog
of the Woody Plants of Oklahoma. <http://www.biosurvey.ou.edu/shrub/rhtr.htm>. Accessed
on 8 June 2001.
