Sempervirens Sumac (Rhus sempervirens)

Family: Anacardiaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Rhus sempervirens is an evergreen Shrub growing to 3.5 m (11ft 6in). It is frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is not self-fertile.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Late Summer, Fall

Flavor & Culinary Uses

refreshing lemonade-like drink (without any fizz of course). — Fruit - raw or cooked.; The fruit is small with very little flesh, but it is produced in fairly large panicles and so is easily harvested.; When soaked for 10 - 30 minutes in hot or cold water it makes a very refreshing lemonade-like drink (without any fizz of course).; The mixture should not be boiled since this will release tannic acids and make the drink astringent.

Habitat & North American Range

Dry slopes, rocky hillsides and cliffs, 600 - 2250 metres. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)