The winged or shining sumac is a nonpoisonous sumac. It is native in the Allegheny Plateau regions of Ohio and is most common in the southeastern part of the state. Winged sumac rarely exceeds 15 feet in height. It furnishes a bright red accent to the landscape during the fall, and is frequently found in large clumps. The rachis is winged and a good identification feature.
Leaves are alternate and odd-pinnate.
Leaflets are nearly entire, but may have a few teeth. Foliage color is a deep, glossy green. The entire leaf margins and the winged rachis are normally all that is needed to identify this plant. Buds are not hairy, and the terminal bud is absent. Twigs are not as stout and vigorous as the smooth sumac.