noun
Japanese sumac; Rhus trichocarpa
A deciduous tree native to Japan and East Asia, known for its bright autumn foliage. Contact with the plant can cause skin irritation similar to poison ivy.
秋になると、ヤマウルシの葉が真っ赤に紅葉します。
In autumn, the leaves of the Japanese sumac turn bright red.
ヤマウルシに触れるとかぶれることがあるので注意してください。
Be careful, as touching Japanese sumac can cause a rash.
ウルシ (Toxicodendron vernicifluum) is the lacquer tree, cultivated for its sap used in traditional lacquerware. ヤマウルシ is a different species, not used for lacquer, and is more of a wild plant.
ハゼノキ (Toxicodendron succedaneum) is another sumac species used for wax production. ヤマウルシ is distinguished by its hairy leaves and different habitat.
The name ヤマウルシ literally means 'mountain lacquer tree' (山 + 漆), referring to its natural habitat and its resemblance to the lacquer tree (ウルシ). The exact historical derivation is uncertain.