Rhus Typhina - O.K., so it's not exactly a "wildflower", more of a shrub... A familiar sight while speeding down the highway. Most obvious in winter, as the bunches of red berries (see below) often stay on the plant through the winter. Blooms in summer.

The fruit is the most easily distiguished feature of Staghorn Sumac. The berries are covered with little hairs that make them appear velvety. They contain vitamin C, and can made into an alternative to lemonade. Harvest the ripe berries in late summer. Bruise and then soak them in cold water for fifteen minutes and then strain through a cheese cloth. (Photographed in WI)

Be careful of Poison Sumac, which has white fruit that hangs down, not red fruit that sticks up...NEVER put anything in your mouth if you aren't absolutely positive what it is...