Prairie sumac facts for kids

The prairie sumac, also known as Rhus lanceolata, is a type of plant. It is native to parts of the United States and Mexico. You can find it growing naturally in Texas, Oklahoma, Arizona, and New Mexico. In Mexico, it grows in the states of Coahuila, Nuevo León, and Tamaulipas.

What it Looks Like

The prairie sumac can be a large shrub or a small tree. It can grow up to 9 meters (about 30 feet) tall. This plant can spread and grow new plants from underground stems called rhizomes.

Its leaves are special. They are "compound," meaning each leaf is made up of many smaller leaflets. There are usually 13 to 17 leaflets on each leaf. These leaflets are shaped like a spearhead. The main stem of the leaf has flat edges, which makes it look "winged."

The edges of the leaflets are usually smooth, but sometimes they have small teeth. The top side of the leaves is green and shiny. The bottom side is whitish and feels a bit fuzzy or hairy.

Flowers and Fruits

The flowers of the prairie sumac grow in tall clusters called panicles. These clusters can be up to 14 centimeters (about 5.6 inches) tall. The flowers are white or greenish in color.

After the flowers, the plant produces small fruits. These fruits are shaped like a small lens. They are about 6 millimeters (about 0.25 inches) wide. The fruits are dark red and have tiny hairs on them.

Uses of Prairie Sumac

The prairie sumac is important for wildlife. Birds often eat its fruits, especially during the winter when other food might be scarce. Deer also like to eat the leaves of the plant.

Humans have found uses for the prairie sumac too. The leaves of this plant contain something called tannin. Tannin is a natural substance that was used in the past to "tan" leather. This process helps to preserve animal hides and turn them into durable leather.