Home » Observation #190 » This Photo

View high resolution

Taken on Sep. 29, 2022

Location

Photographer & Copyright

Icon for Alex Zorach

© Alex Zorach

CC BY-SA 4.0

Inclusion in Plant ID / Comparison Guides

This photo is featured in 2 plant ID/comparison guides:

collage of Tree of Heaven and Staghorn Sumac

Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima) vs. Staghorn Sumac (Rhus typhina)

Updated September 23rd, 2021

These trees are sometimes confused because of similar compound leaf shape and occurrence in the same disturbed habitats, such as along roadsides and railroads. Both tend to form colonies with multiple trunks attached to a single root system. They can be easily distinguished at any time of year by leaves, twigs, bark, and fruit. Although their ranges and habitat overlap considerably, tree of heaven ranges farther west and is more common in cities and anthropogenic habitats, whereas staghorn sumac ranges farther north and is more common in natural areas farther from human influence.

View Full Guide

collage of Smooth Sumac and Staghorn Sumac

Smooth Sumac (Rhus glabra) vs. Staghorn Sumac (Rhus typhina)

Updated September 23rd, 2021

Smooth and staghorn sumac are very similar in appearance and overlap both in range and habitat. They are usually easily distinguished by the presence or absence of hairs along stems, and they also have differences in growth habit and berry clusters. The two plants, however, can hybridize, so it may not be possible to identify all individuals; hybrids are especially common in the upper Midwest. Smooth sumac ranges farther west and south and tends to be found in drier habitats, whereas staghorn sumac ranges farther north.

View Full Guide