Sumac is a hardy native shrub to the Rocky Mountains. It thrives in desert-like environments with little moisture and sparse vegetation, typically found in thickets that act as barriers to the wind and prevent erosion in open fields and fence rows. In fall, sumac’s dark green leaves transform into striking scarlet and its edible berries serve as a reliable food source for humans and wildlife alike. The small red, lemony flavored berries are ground into a powder and used for medicinal purposes, controlling blood sugar levels, and culinary applications, as a popular seasoning in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines.