What Kind of Tree is This?

[Caw]

We moved in our new house here in MA very early in spring before the leaves came in so I am now noticing I have a bunch of these trees on my property. Most are smaller but there are a couple mature looking trees. They are mostly bordering my yard and the oak/maple/poplar forest.

Very flexible green wood with a distinct yellow sap. Doesnt smell remarkable. Funky leaves. What kind of tree is this and do I want them? My best guess is a cottonwood species.

Thanks for the help! I've learned a ton here already. It's a great community.

 

[CincyBurner]

Staghorn sumac (Rhus typhina)
See if this fits: https://dendro.cnre.vt.edu/dendrology/syllabus/factsheet.cfm?ID=83
Look for characteristic upright, fuzzy red clustered fruit maturing late summer.

 

[johneh]

Deer love to eat them.

 

[CincyBurner]

Not much for woodburners, but sumac makes for a wonderful fall backdrop (great red/ orange leaf color) in naturalized areas.

When going up we used fruit in our smokers for beekeeping, and used for making pink lemonade (intinction in a cool liquid). I don't recall it imparting much of a flavor, mostly for its red color.

Sparkling Sumac Lemonade Recipe

A modern take on "sumac-ade" is a fun, refreshing thirst quencher.

www.seriouseats.com

(broken link removed to http://tacticalintelligence.net/blog/how-to-make-survival-sumac-lemonade.htm)​

 

[Caw]

Thanks everyone! That could be a fun cocktail.

 

[hickoryhoarder]

My guess was Ailanthus, Tree of Heaven. But I'm no good at photos, and it's usually found more in driveways, next to houses, etc., liking the warmth radiating from those structures.