Items 1 to 5 of 5 total
Items 1 to 5 of 5 total
Sumac
Uses:
- Border Plant
- Mixed Hedge
- Native & Wildlife Plantings
- Specimen or Focal Point
Features:
- Supports Wildlife
- Fall Foliage
- Showy Fruit Clusters
Sunlight:
- Full Sun To Part Shade
- At Least 4 Hours Of Direct Sunlight
Growing Zones:
- 4-8
- What is My Zone?
Sumac is a deciduous shrub known for its flower panicles in spring followed by burgundy fruit clusters on female plants. The fruits support small mammals and birds. The textured foliage turns fiery shades of red, orange, or yellow in the fall. Sumac can be used as a focal point in a garden bed, wildlife planting, or container arrangement. Some types even make a useful groundcover for suppressing weeds.
About Sumac
Genus
Species
Family
Rhus
Rhus typhina, Rhus glabra, Rhus aromatica
Anacardiaceae
Common Names:
Staghorn Sumac, Smooth Sumac, Fragrant Sumac, Winged Sumac
Native To:
North America, Africa, Asia, and parts of Europe
Plant Type:
Bushes
Foliage Type:
Deciduous
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
3 to 9
Flower Color:
Greenish-yellow, Cream, or White
Flower Bloom Time:
Late Spring to Early Summer
Growth Habit:
Upright, Spreading, or Colonizing
Attracts:
Pollinators (bees, butterflies), Birds (for berries)
Tolerates:
Drought, Poor Soil, Erosion
Resists:
Deer
How To Use Sumac In The Garden
Sumac plants are known for their adaptability, thriving in various soil types and conditions. They display brilliant autumn colors, with leaves turning shades of red, orange, and yellow. These plants produce dense clusters of red berries that persist into winter, providing a food source for wildlife.
Sumac thrives along woodland edges or large backyard perimeters, attracting pollinators and offering bold autumn color. Low-growing varieties provide a spreading groundcover that needs minimal care and handles slopes and poor soils with ease. Larger varieties can be used as a transitional buffer to bring structure and ecological value near wild or wooded areas.
Sumac Care
Sumac plants prefer well-drained soil and can adapt to various soil types, including sandy and clay soils. They require full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. Watering should be moderate; once established, sumac is drought-tolerant and only needs watering during prolonged dry periods. Fertilization is generally unnecessary, as sumac thrives in low-fertility soils.
Pruning sumac involves removing dead or damaged branches in late winter or early spring to maintain shape and health. In colder climates, providing a layer of mulch around the base can protect the roots during winter. While sumac can be grown in containers, ensure the pot is large enough to accommodate its root system and use well-draining soil to prevent soggy conditions.
Learn More About Sumac
