Rhus Sumach

Why do you call it a vinegar tree?
Rhus is very invasive in my garden - im always chopping it down! Its everywhere and it grows so strongly that it pushes fences over!!!
Lynne x

Vinegar tree is it's common name here in Hungary. Nobody knows what a Rhus is!!! I think it's because the seeds (berries) are acidic. In my garden it has space but it has not really thrown out any suckers yet.

Vinegar tree is it's common name here in Hungary. Nobody knows what a Rhus is!!! I think it's because the seeds (berries) are acidic. In my garden it has space but it has not really thrown out any suckers yet.

Wow! We have trees similar to this all over this town. I looked up this species on the internet and it appears both the names describe the same tree but the tree in this area is also invasive just as Wizzbang has described. I am constantly removing it even though I do not have an actual tree in my yard. Well, I do but I keep it cut down to the ground. It grows else where through root suckers. It is also not a Rhus or Vinegar tree (their fall color is red) This tree is briefly yellow. The local residents say it is a locust tree but that doesn't fit either.

I finally found the answer (I think). I believe it is an Ailanthus altissima which is considered an invasive undesirable tree originating in China. I guess I will just keep removing its offspring.

Thanks for making me sit up and take notice with your picture. I thought sure the trees in our area were the same as this one in your picture but it did make me dig for information. (always a good thing)

We have Ailanthus too. They pop up unexpectedly. They are growing in many public places like hedgerows and even cracks near walls. They are considered invasive in Hungary too.