Trees, Shrubs and Conifers: Sumac Tree - Of What Type?, 1 by wingwoman

wingwoman wrote:
Seems like a silly question, but this is regarding a tree that's abundant in our neighborhood. We've had (what my spouse refers to as) Sumacs on our property for awhile now, and I'm wondering now what kind we have. Google searches have revealed that several varieties seem to bear flowers and/or berries, etc. Our tree turns fall colors, beginning with leaves toward the top. The leaves change color and curl up into a spiral, eventually falling off and causing much raking of the yard and spousal grumbling about those dang Sumac trees, and how messy they are. Can someone tell me more about this controversial tree?