Staghorn vs Smooth Sumac - How to Identify Sumacs

In this video, I am using iNaturalist to show the differences between Staghorn Sumac and Smooth Sumac. You will be able to identify these two plants, as well as distinguish between some of their look-alikes.

It should be noted that Staghorn Sumac and Smooth Sumac can hybridize in some areas, especially in Michigan. The hybrid is often called Northern Sumac (Rhus x borealis) and shows intermediate phenotypes, ranging from very minor or sparse pubescence along the branches and stem, to smooth branches but hairy fruits.

Both Staghorn and Smooth sumac have:
- Compound leaf with serrated leaflets
- Non-winged rachis (space between leaflets on branch)
- Red fruit, red-ish color branches and green stems.

Only Staghorn sumac has:
- Pubescent (hairy) features including fruit, branch and stem

Only Smooth sumac has:
- Glabrous (smooth) features including fruit, branch and stem.

Some common look-alikes are:
- Eastern Black Walnut and other Juglans species
- Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima)