The deer butt sumac, as the vinegar tree is also called, has striking foliage. The shape and size of the leaves make the shrub the perfect shade provider. The ornamental trees are popular for their autumn colors, but there is confusion about toxicity.
In autumn, the leaves of the vinegar tree change color
manifestation
The leaves of the vinegar tree are arranged alternately. They grow between twelve and 60 centimeters long and consist of a petiole and leaf blade. The foliage is imparipinnate. Each leaf has between nine and 31 leaflets, two of which face each other. The unequal number of leaflets arises from the fact that a terminal leaflet closes the leaf. In contrast to the lateral leaflets, this leaflet is stalked. All leaflets have an elongated and slightly sickle-like shape. They are pointed at the end and have an unevenly sawn edge.
particularities
The great popularity of the vinegar trees as an ornamental tree is due to the coloring of the leaves. The upper side of the leaf appears shiny green, while the underside is a light grey-green. The leaves change color in autumn. They first change from green to yellow and then take on orange tones. In October, the leaves appear bright red. A vinegar tree can have green, yellow, orange, and red leaves at the same time.
The expression of the colors depends on the substrate. The autumn colors are intense when the wood is on sandy soil with a low lime content and well drained. Heavy soil causes stunted growth, making the autumn colors less glamorous.
Vinegar Trees naturally grow:
- in open terrain on stony ground
- on sunny south-facing slopes with nutrient-rich soil
- in small groups or individually
toxicity
The poisonous effect of the vinegar tree is low and comes from acidic cell juices and tannins. The leaves are used to tan leather in autumn. The vinegar tree produces a milky sap in all parts of the plant, which escapes from the tissue when there are cuts. It can cause irritation if it comes into contact with the skin.
More serious are the symptoms caused by the milky sap of the related poisonous ivy. This species contains toxins that cause blisters on the skin when touched. Their leaves differ significantly from those of the vinegar tree, because they are always pinnate in three parts.