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Tree of Heaven? #878285

Asked July 22, 2024, 2:46 PM EDT

Is this subject tree that I cut out every year on the edge of my woods? Is it liked by spotted lantern fly?

St. Mary's County Maryland

Expert Response

Hi, 

This is a sumac and not a Tree of Heaven, probably a Staghorn Sumac. The lantern flies may still like it some but not as a host plant like the Tree of Heaven. It is a native tree and will have beautiful red/orange fall color. They can form thickets and grow from root suckers so if you don't want a grove of them, you can keep trying to cut and remove them. The flower head is typical for sumac and will turn red after it blooms. 

Wildlife enjoy the berries!

You can check out this blog post from Ohio State Extension that has good descriptive photos to tell them apart. 

Let us know if you have further questions. 

Emily

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