Several members of the sumac family occur in the northern Chihuahuan Desert. Most are shrubs welcome for their touch of green in the desert and the berries eatable by wildlife. The fruit of one, Littleleaf Sumac, can even be used to make a refreshing drink, sumac ade, though little used today where market drinks are readily available.
Not all sumacs are benign, however. In the higher country, fall often
reveals brilliant red leaves of Rhus toxicodendron. Take a moment with the Latin
name—it's telling you something. Toxicodendron—toxic tree or wood. Yes, this is the
plant familiar to people in better watered parts of the country and in the uplands of
our desert region as Poison Ivy. Many people find contact to be memorable, with severe
itching sometimes lasting for days. For those of you seemingly immune, take
care—it's been said that such immunity can disappear in a flash. The old saying,
"leaves three, leave it be" is good advice. Just be thankful that another
black sheep of the family, Poison Sumac, abhors our desert dryness.
Contributor: Arthur H. Harris, Laboratory for Environmental Biology, Centennial Museum, University of Texas at El Paso.
Desert Diary is a joint production of the Centennial Museum and KTEP National Public Radio at the University of Texas at El Paso.