Velvet sumac is a small tree or shrub with velvety, green leaves and red fruit clusters that grows in North America. It is pronounced /ˈvɛlvɪt ˈsuːmæk/ with emphasis on the first syllable. The word "velvet" is spelled with the letters V-E-L-V-E-T and is pronounced /ˈvɛlvɪt/. "Sumac" is spelled with the letters S-U-M-A-C and is pronounced /ˈsuːmæk/. The combination of the two words forms the common name "velvet sumac" and is used to describe this particular plant species.
Velvet sumac, scientifically known as Rhus typhina, is a deciduous shrub or small tree belonging to the Anacardiaceae family. Native to eastern North America, it is commonly found in open fields, woodland edges, and along roadsides. The name "velvet sumac" refers to the texture of its leaves and stems, which are covered in fine, velvety fuzz.
This plant typically grows up to 20 feet (6 meters) tall, forming a dense, spreading clump. It is characterized by its large, compound leaves, which consist of numerous leaflets arranged in a feather-like manner. These dark green leaves turn vibrant shades of orange, red, and purple during the fall, enhancing the shrub's aesthetic appeal.
Velvet sumac's most distinctive feature is its clusters of small, round, reddish fruits called drupes. These fruits, which ripen throughout late summer and early fall, start out green and eventually transform into a striking, deep crimson color. The drupes often persist on the shrub well into winter, providing food for birds and wildlife.
Although velvet sumac is primarily renowned for its ornamental value in landscaping, it has also been used for various medicinal and practical purposes. Some Native American tribes used the bark and leaves to create dyes, while others used it medicinally for treatments such as relieving sore throats, diarrhea, and skin ailments.
In conclusion, velvet sumac is a shrub or small tree native to eastern North America, known for its velvety leaves, showy red drupes, and vibrant fall foliage.
The etymology of the word "velvet sumac" can be broken down as follows:
1. Velvet: It comes from Old Provençal "veluet" or "velvet" in Middle English, both meaning a type of luxurious, soft fabric. The term originated from Proto-Germanic "*felthaz" which meant "something beaten or felted", referring to the process of making the fabric. Over time, it evolved into the word we now associate with a particular type of smooth, dense fabric.
2. Sumac: The term "sumac" is derived from the Old French word "sumak" which later became "somac" in Middle English. It originated from the Arabic word "summāq" or "summāqah", which is the name of the sumac plant. It first appeared in English in the early 14th century.