Pollinator Pleasing
In mid-summer there is quite a draw at my wood’s edge. The Sumac is in bloom and pollinators are buzzing all over the flowers. I have two types of Sumac — Winged Sumac and Smooth Sumac, supplied by Mother Nature.
For The Birds
From blooms to fruit, pleasing different critters. The fruit of the Sumac attracts birds throughout the winter.
Welcome Food During The Snowstorm!
With blinding snow coming down, this Yellow Shafted Flicker was able to find a meal at one of my many Sumacs. This picture was taken in February 2010. We had 72 inches of snow here on the mountain during that winter. It was wonderful!
And Now The Season Of Color
Sumacs turn brilliant shades in the fall. A little bit at a time. I’m enjoying taking pictures of just one branch or two, dressed in an outstanding scarlet set against the rich emeralds of its past summer finery.
Or . . .
Or tropical shades of limes and lemons, set against the warm colors of papayas.
More Color To Come
In the next two months Sumacs will be turning on more scarlet, making the wood’s edges sing. A song I look forward to!
One response to “Sumac For Autumn Color”
Up in CT, we used a red-flowered variety to make sun tea that was delicious. I’m not sure how many varieties there are up there. The red one predominated, but there was also a variety called poison sumac which had white berries. We stayed away from that one. I didn’t know the proper name of either.