Hi Kevin -
First off, not all sumac's are poisonous. In fact, only one Toxicodendron vernix (poison sumac) has urushiol oil - that dreaded compound that can cause an allergic reaction in sensitive people. The thing about poison sumac is that it is highly elusive due to its preferred habitat - standing water such as swamps, bogs, etc. If you were indeed growing toxicodendron vernix, then if you are sensitized to urushiol oil you would be allergic to this plant as well.
There are a number of other sumac's which look similar but are not poisonous including staghorn sumac, smooth sumac, and winged sumac. These are fairly easy to grow (ok - depending on where you are located and growing conditions) and are likely what you are trying to encourage on your property.
I don't have any pruning tips - sorry. Around here, I try to get rid of the sumacs (have loads of staghorn) but its a personal preference. |
