One of the best sumacs! A large colonizing shrub, best in open areas where it can naturalize. Foliage is dark green, shiny and has 9-21 leaflets with ‘wings’ between the leaflets. Fall color is impressive, rich red. The 8″x4″ clusters of flowers are also attractive, greenish yellow in summer. The fruit is crimson-red when it ripens in October. It is important winter food for birds and wildlife.
Native Plant Database
Header Photo: Mervin Wallace
Flameleaf Sumac
Rhus copallinum
Plant Type: Shrubs
Native Environment: Prairie, Savanna / Woodland
Season of Interest: Late (July - frost), Winter (Nov - Mar)
Main Color: Green
Fall Color: Red
USDA PLANTS Range Map
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Medium Sun/Average Shade
Soil
Moisture
Dry
Nature Attracting
Wildlife Benefit
Cover, Food/Birds, Food/Small Animals, Nesting
Animal
Resistance
Size
Height:
8 to
10
feet
Spread:
20 to
30
feet
Size
Height: 8 to
10
feet
Spread: 20 to
30
feet
Size
Height: 8 to
10
feet
Spread: 20 to
30
feet
Typical Landscape Use
Great for naturalizing in dry, rocky areas.
Establishment and Care Instructions
Great for extremely dry, rocky areas, but can grow in any well drained soil. Prune in winter to keep low or allow to grow to tree form. Can be cut to the ground regularly if a more compact grove is desired. Colonizing spread.
Special Features
Special Usage
Dried Flower
Basic Description
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Where Can I Find This Plant in Nature?
Learn about the Native Environment(s) inhabited by the plants in this database.