|
Sumac has quickly become our favorite plant on the farm! This beautiful but often-misunderstood plant is incredibly easy to grow, and has a huge range of uses ranging from food, medicine, animal feed, carving, green-mulching, and spices. It is also popular as an ornamental with stunning mixtures of green and bright red leaves in the fall and colorful berry clusters beloved by humans and birds alike.
Many people confuse winged or staghorn sumac with poison sumac, which is actually an entirely different kind of plant. Real sumac produces prolific clusters of small, tart berries that make a delicious pink lemonade-like drink, wine, or jellies/jams. The berries can also be dried and used as a spice, which is very popular in Middle-Eastern and Indian cuisine. The leaves and sticks are beloved by rabbits and other livestock, and can be coppiced/pollarded to provide perennial food for humans and animals alike. The leaves were also traditionally smoked like tobacco by indigenous people throughout North America. As a smokable, they produce a delicious fruity flavor that compliments tobacco or cannabis, or as a stand-alone leaf. The wood is plyable, and great for carving. We enjoy making traditional smoking pipes out of it. The leaves can also be used in tanning animal hides with their high tannin-content. This prolific plant grows well in almost any conditions, and can handle dryer areas and poor soil. We believe it belongs on nearly every homestead! To purchase, please fill out the form below and we'll reach back ASAP to process the payment and get it shipped to you! |