Sumach leaves

[Lyn]

A neighbour's sumach tree overhangs my garden, and I am wondering if its falling leaves are O.K. to add to the leaf-mould container - I read somewhere that all parts of the sumach tree are poisonous, but don't know how true this is. Any ideas, anyone?
Regards, Lyn.

[Jenny Green]

I don't know about sumach in particular but generally it's okay to add poisonous leaves to compost as long as you only intend growing things in it and not eating it! Rhubarb leaves, for example, can safely be added to compost as they break down the same as anything else and the poisons wouldn't be absorbed by any plants that are grown in the resulting compost.

[Lyn]

Thanks, Jenny. As they will be rotting down for at least a couple of years in the bin, I think I will risk it. It seems such a shame to waste all that lovely extra potential leaf-mould!
Regards, Lyn

[Sue]

Rhus or Sumach sap can cause a photo-sensitive reaction in the same way Euphorbia sap can. You are fine composting the leaves Lyn, but be careful if you ever decide to lop a branch off.

Sue