Toxicodendron Species, Japanese Wax Tree, Rhus, Scarlet Sumac

The Scarlet Sumac - Rhus succedanea - is an ornamental tree with about 30 different species, native to China, Asia and introduced elsewh...Read Moreere as exotics.
Mine was about 4m tall, which coloured red and orange in Autumn, and lost it's leaves in Winter. Small yellow flowers were followed by prolific bunches of berry fruit. In Japan the berries are used in the production of ointments, varnishes and polishes - thus I guess the other name 'Japanese Wax Tree'. This species is one of the three which has allergenic Toxicodendrons which can cause skin irritations and swelling. I never had any need to touch it - it was just such an interesting tree to have in my garden.