sumac
Anacardiaceae

sumac

Rhus L.

Indigenous Names: Mo-tam-bi-ats Wisi
Habitat: Upland prairies, borders and openings in woods, country roads, and railroads
Seasonality: Not given
Status: Native

Traditional Food Use

Ute

If the berries were consumed immediately, they were ground on a metate. Most of the harvest was sun-dried and stored for winter use when they were ground on a metate, along with a small amount of water.

Ceremonial & Cultural Notes

Ute

The same term, Wisi, was used for Yucca baccata, whose fruits were eaten fresh. The seeds although edible, were discarded. On occasion the pulp of Yucaa baccata was boiled before being eaten.126

Botanical Reference

Parts Documented: Berries