You've probably seen sumac trees growing along the highways if you've traveled in most of the eastern half of the United States. They are small trees with thin limbs and bright red berries that look like cone-shaped flowers. Many people mistakenly identify these plants as "poison sumac." Real poison sumac grows in wet regions, in bogs and wetlands and it gets a white berry that hangs over. Any of the red berry sumacs are fine to use. To make tea, pick several large clusters of berries. Squeeze to bruise and place 3-4 in a 2-quart pitcher. Chill for a day or two (to suite your own taste) and add sweetener as desired. You can also heat the tea and serve it hot.
It also makes a fine sippin-wine for those so inclined.