Sumac ( genusRhus ) is a group of flowering small tree and shrubs . Sumacs are identified by their fern - like pinnate leaves , conelike clusters ( panicles ) of livid or green flush , and blurred crimson berries . In the nightfall , sumach trees and shrubs turn vivid autumn shades of red , orange , or purpleness . Trees and shrubs in the genusRhusgrow between 3 and 33 ft . ( 1 – 10 m ) .
shumac trees such as the staghorn sumac ( Rhus typhina ) , smooth sumac ( Rhus glabra ) , and fragrant sumach ( Rhus aromatica ) produce edible ruby-red berry - like drupes . There is also a bush called the poisonous substance sumac ( Toxicodendron vernix caseosa ) , which produces small poisonous lily-white berries . But it is gentle to tell edible sumac apart from the poisonous substance sumacs by search at the berries , leaves , and twigs .
This clause is a guide to place the common type of sumac tree and shrubs . verbal description and pictures of sumac tree pass on , flowers , and Chuck Berry will help you recognize these plants in landscapes . Due to their outstanding fall gloss , sumac shrubs and trees are popular garden landscaping plants .
About Sumac Plants (Trees and Shrubs)
shumac are flowering trees and shrubs used in landscaping gardens due to their beautiful autumn foliage
Sumacs are flowering woody Tree and bush belong to the genusRhusand cashew tree familyAnacardiaceae . There are around 150 species of sumac , with 14 being native to the US . Sumac Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree and shrubs grow in most soil types and are often date growing in dry and poor soil .
aboriginal North American sumac tree grow in USDA zone 3 through 9 .
sturdy sumac trees , like the staghorn shumac , have a fast growth rate — growing as much as 24 ” ( 60 cm ) a year .
A characteristic of shumac is their suckering growth wont . This feature of speech means that sumacs can grow as multi - caulescent bush if you do n’t remove the sucker .
Most species of sumac , like the staghorn shumac , fragrant sumac , and smooth sumac , aredeciduous treesthat lose their folio in the fall . The native tobacco plant shumac ( Rhus virens ) is anevergreen varietywith glossy green , leathery leaf . Most sumac Tree have a dome - forge , spreading crown .
Sumac Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree have plenteousness of cosmetic value for front or backyard . Sumac are democratic landscape gardening trees that maturate as beautiful hedges , borders , or concealment . Some of the shumac tree diagram diverseness mold as attractive specimen trees .
A sumac tree has cosmetic prayer throughout the seasons . In spring , cone - like unripened or lily-white flower seem , follow by clusters of carmine edible berries , before the sumach tree ’s foliation transform from deep unripened color into magnificent red-faced , orange , red - purple , and purplish colour .
Sumac Leaves
Sumac leaves have stunning fall colouring material
leafage on sumach tree diagram are identify as pinnately compound , glossy green leaves that look like fern leaves . Each feather - similar sumach leaf is made up of 3 to 31 stretch lanceolate leaflets with serrate margins . Sumac leaves produce between 16 ” and 24 ” ( 40 – 60 centimeter ) long .
Although most sumach species leaves arepinnate leafage , some species of sumac have broad leave-taking with shallow lobing . For case , pull up stakes on the fragrant sumac ( Rhus aromatica ) have a broadly ovate flesh and only have three leaflet per chemical compound leaf .
Sumac landscape Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree are known for the striking fall color of their leave of absence . In the downslope , shumac foliation turns telling red hues . It ’s not rare to see sumac bush or trees with mysterious orange coloring material or warm yellow shades .
Sumac Flowers
Sumac flowers
Sumac flowers are diminutive , five - petaled peak that form conical , creamy - white or green clump . Each sumac panicle can have yard of flowers . Flower clusters measure out 12 ” ( 30 curium ) farsighted and 2 ” to 4 ” ( 5 – 10 cm ) across . Sumac trees bloom in leap , and theflowers persist throughout the summertime .
Sumac Berries
Sumac fruits are berry - like drupes
Sumac trees are known for their bright red , berry - same drupesthat grow in enceinte strobilus - alike clustering . Each small shumac fruit measure 0.16 ” ( 4 mm ) across . The sumac Berry have characteristic fine hairs , throw the red drupe a fuzzy appearance . The clusters of crimson - red shumac fruits originate up to 12 ” ( 30 curium ) long .
Although they front like berry , sumac fruit are drupes — fruits with a seed in the middle like a peach or apricot . The red sumac drupes have a citrusy sapidity with a distinct tangy taste and are high-pitched in vitamin C. Sumac berries are also used to create shumac spice , democratic in Middle Eastern cuisine .
The red sumac spice is mainly cultivated from the Syrian sumac ( genus Rhus coriaria ) and is ordinarily used in midway easterly culinary art and other spice admixture such as za’atar ( on the left )
A handy tip to identify edible sumac berries : Edible sumac berry are always red or bright red . Poisonous sumac berries are light-green in the summer and blank in the wintertime .
Poison Sumac vs. Sumac
Poison sumach fruit
The easiest means to name poison shumac ( Toxicodendron vernix ) asunder from the edible sumac species is by the berry , folio , and twig . Poison sumac berries are typically white , whereas comestible sumach berries are bright red . The leaves on a poison sumach shrub have smooth security deposit , whereas nonpoisonous sumach plants have serrate margins . Additionally , poison shumac twig are fluid , not hairy like distinctive sumacs .
The leave of sumach trees ( genus Rhus ) have serrated leeway ( leave ) whereas toxicant sumac has smooth security deposit ( right )
The sprig of sumac tree ( Rhus ) have fine hairs ( leave ) whereas poison sumac has bland sprig ( right on )
Another name feature of sumach shrub with edible cerise berries is that they typically grow in dry areas . On the reverse , toxicant sumacs originate in wet domain or swamp . Also , poison sumach tend to develop as a individual , stand - alone plant , not in groups like staghorn sumacs .
Sumac Tree Identification
Identify sumac trees by looking at the leaves , flowers , and berries . Sumacs have large , characteristic fern - like leaves made up of 3 to 31 leaflets . Another identifying feature of sumacs is their cone - shaped white or green flower panicles , 24 ” ( 60 centimetre ) long that age into cluster of red fuzzy Charles Edward Berry .
How to Grow Sumac Plants
Sumac trees and shrub are versatile plants that grow in most conditions . To ensure the plant life grow well , works sumach in well - drained soil and full Sunday to partial shade . Once sumacs are established , theplants tolerate droughtbut grow quickest when water regularly . Grow sumac trees in USDA zones 3 to 9 .
Types of Sumac Trees (With Pictures)
rent ’s look in more detail at the varieties of sumactrees suitable for garden landscapes . look at the identifying feature of speech of sumach trees will help you choose the best type if you require to add these beautiful plants to your garden landscape painting .
Staghorn Sumac (Rhus typhina)
Staghorn sumac tree ( Rhus typhina )
Staghorn shumac ( Rhus typhina ) is a small flowering tree diagram or large bush with large pinnate leaf , light-green - white-hot flowers , and brightred bunch of stone fruit . Staghorn sumacs develop between 15 and 25 ft . ( 4.5 – 7.6 1000 ) marvelous and up to 30 foot . ( 9 chiliad ) wide . The modest tree has an loose , diffuse crown .
The staghorn sumac tree diagram grows in USDA zona 3 to 9 . The hardy , various , fast - growing tree grow in a wide range of soils if there is good drainage . The sumac plant reproduces through root suckers . you’re able to find staghorn sumac in the wild mature in Eastern North America .
The common name ofRhus typhinacomes from the fact that the forked branches resemble a hart ’s horns . Also , the fine , velvety feel of the branches and twigs seem like “ antlers in velvet . ” Other names for the staghorn sumac include velvet sumach and vinegar sumac .
Staghorn sumac tree diagram flowers blossom from spring through summer . Each cluster of greenish - white peak grows up to 8 ” ( 20 curium ) prospicient and 6 ” ( 15 cm ) wide . The flowers do n’t have any distinctive scent , unlike the leaves that have a citrusy fragrance when oppress .
Staghorn shumac flowers at early stage of blooming ( leftover ) . The distaff flower form a cluster of round , fuzzy fruit ( right field )
Sumac forget : Staghorn sumac lemon - scent leaves are pinnately compound with up to 31 lanceolate , serrated leaflets evaluate 3 ” to 6 ” ( 7.5 – 15 cm ) . The fern - like compound leave-taking mensurate up to 24 ” ( 60 cm ) long . In the free fall , staghorn sumacs turn deep flushed , orangish , or golden - jaundiced .
Staghorn sumac leaves
Sumac berry : Staghorn sumac red berries are showy clusters of brightly colored eatable drupes . The fuzzy cherry berries come out in previous declivity and prevail through winter until spring . The sumac fruit turn deep redness in wintertime , giving the tree diagram ornamental economic value .
Staghorn sumac yield
Sumac designation : To identify staghorn sumac trees , look for large feather - like dark-green farewell , cone shape - mould clustering of green - white or red flowers , and red berry clusters that stay on the tree from decline until spring .
Smooth Sumac (Rhus glabra)
still sumac shrub ( Rhus glabra )
Smooth sumac ( Rhus glabra ) is a expectant deciduous shrub with an open , spreading crown consisting of shiny fern - like parting , conelike light-green - yellow peak , and dark ruby-red berry . Smooth shumac shrubs move around stunning red and orangish colors in the fall . bland sumach plants grow between 8 ” and 15 ” ( 2.4 – 4.5 m ) improbable and all-embracing .
Thriving in USDA zones 3 to 9 , the smooth sumac is a scummy - maintenance landscaping plant . The cosmetic bush expand in full sun to fond shade and tolerates drouth .
Smooth sumac shrub bloom produce in erect panicles of dense clusters consisting of bantam greenish flower . The strobile - shape clusters grow between 4 ” and 10 ” ( 10 – 25 cm ) magniloquent and flower from spring until the remainder of summer .
politic sumac flowers and leaves
One way to identify a smooth sumac shrub is by its hairless , cherry barque . The common name ofRhus glabra — smooth sumac — issue forth from the placid feel of the twig . Most sumacs have fuzzy , velvety bark .
This hairless bark and sprig can make smooth sumac bush challenging to secern aside from poison sumac ( Toxicodendron vernix ) . It ’s vital to remember that poisonous sumacs have white berries and leaves with non - toothed margins .
Sumac entrust : Smooth sumac leaves are tumid , glum green chemical compound leave-taking dwell of 11 to 31 pointed leaflet . Like most sumacs , the item-by-item leaflet have serrate margin and an oblong - lanceolate shape . The folio produce 12 ” to 20 ” ( 30 – 50 cm ) longsighted and up to 6 ” ( 15 centimeter ) widely .
In the crepuscle , liquid sumac leave-taking release Bourgogne or orange tree .
Smooth sumach fruit and fall foliage
Sumac berry : Smooth shumac berry - corresponding drupe grow in cluster of red yield that turn maroon - chocolate-brown throughout winter . Like all comestible shumac yield , the Chuck Berry have a furry appearance and lemonlike , citrusy taste .
Sumac identification : To name a smooth sumac plant , appear for hairless , smooth twig , tumid pinnate leaves , clump of green - yellow flowers , and cerise gloam berries that remain until spring .
Fragrant Sumac (Rhus aromatica)
Fragrant sumac ( Rhus aromatica ) bush
Fragrant shumac ( Rhus aromatica ) is a small , low - growing woody shrub with aromatic glossy green smooth leaves , small clump of flowers ( catkins ) , and small red berries . In the fall , fragrant sumac shrub turn beautiful ghost of orange , red , yellow , and purple . Fragrant shumac get 2 to 6 ft . ( 0.6 – 1.8 m ) tall and 10 ft . ( 3 m ) wide .
Like all sumac salmagundi , fragrant shumac shrubs are stale - intrepid plants that outlast in USDA geographical zone 3 to 9 . Growing in full sun or partial shade , the small bush adapts to various soil type and can survive periods of drought .
Fragrant sumach flowers are small clusters of showy yellowed springtime peak . The catkins acquire up to 3 ” ( 7.5 centimetre ) long and 1 ” ( 2.5 cm ) widely . One of the characteristic lineament of fragrant sumach is their pleasant perfume . The prime , twig , and leave give off a lemony citrus scent .
Fragrant sumac bloom
As a modest shrub , the redolent sumac acquire asthick ground cover for full sunor border plants . The pretty white-livered shumac prime draw pollinator to gardens . you may grow this decorative landscape shrub in short grease , teetotal grime , or clay grease .
Sumac leave : Fragrant shumac leaves are ovate - mold leave , unlike most species of sumac plant . The trifoliolate foliage have three broad leaves . The tabu leaves are ovate , and the large in-between leaf is typically spatula - shaped . Fragrant sumac leaves farm up to 3 ” ( 7.5 cm ) long .
In the fall , fragrant sumac leave turn shades of orangish , violent , or reddish - purpleness .
Fragrant sumach yield and leaves
Sumac berries : Fragrant sumac berry are minuscule and crimson with a hairy appearance . The fuzzy red stone fruit appear on the shaggy aromatic bush in late summertime and provide wintertime color in otherwise barren landscape .
Sumac identification : To identify fragrant shumac bush , look for ovate leafage grow in mathematical group of three . The tiny yellow blossom clump turn on the ends of twig and develop into fuzzy scarlet berries in late summer .
Other Varieties of Sumac Plants
rent ’s look at some of the identifying features of other trees and shrubs in the sumac kin of flower woody plants .
Winged sumac (Rhus copallinum)
fly sumac ( Rhus copallinum ) multi stemmed tree
Winged sumac ( Rhus copallinum ) is a medium - sized multi - cauline deciduous shrub or pocket-size tree . The aboriginal shumac shrub is identifiable by its expectant , pinnately chemical compound leaves , icteric blossom clusters , and blood-red fall color . mature in USDA zones 4 to 9 , the sun - loving shrub grows between 7 and 15 ft . ( 2.1 – 4.5 m ) tall and up to 20 foot . ( 6 m ) across-the-board .
fly sumac blossom and yield
wing sumac has dissolute growth and the distinctive characteristic features of sumac plants . Clusters of pale yellow , feathery peak panicle give fashion to blurry red berries that last until late wintertime . The stunning fall colors are vibrant tint of Orange River and crimson .
Winged sumac leave
Other gens for winged sumac shrubs include dwarf sumac , shine sumac , and flameleaf sumac .
Evergreen Sumac or Tobacco Sumac (Rhus virens)
Evergreen sumac ( Rhus virens ) tree
Evergreen sumach ( Tobacco sumac ) is a pocket-size Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree or shrub . The fast - growing evergreen plant shumac grows between 8 and 12 ft . ( 2.4 – 3.6 m ) grandiloquent with propagate branches . Evergreen sumach foliage are thick and leathery and have five to nine leaflets on each compound leaf .
Evergreen shumac provide
Also called Lambrisco or Lentrisco , the evergreen plant shumac is identified by 2 - column inch ( 5 - curium ) clusters of white flowers growing at the remainder of offset . foggy red oval drupes look in former fall .
Although being telephone an evergreen plant shrub , the sumac plant drops its leave-taking after wintertime . However , unlike deciduous sumac , this attractive bush stays green during winter . Modern parting come out chop-chop after the bush loses its foliage .
African Sumac (Searsia lanceaorRhus lancea)
African sumach trees ( Searsia lancea / Rhus lancea )
The African sumach is a medium - sized shrub - same evergreen plant Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree with strange shoulder strap - similar pointed , olive - green folio , redolent lily-livered flower bunch , and brown berries . The identifying characteristic of the African sumac is the clusters of three long leaves that are 4 ” ( 10 atomic number 96 ) long . These curve leave give the sumac a weeping facial expression due to its ellipse , broad , diffuse canopy .
African sumach go away
African sumac trees originate between 20 and 30 foot . ( 6 – 9 m ) improbable and wide . If the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree gets mountain of piddle , it grow tight at a rate of 24 ” ( 60 atomic number 96 ) per twelvemonth . However , the sumac is broad of dry , waterless condition .
African sumac flowers
African sumac tree only grows in USDA zones 9 through 11 . The drought - tolerant African sumach tree grows good in red-hot , full sunlight . Unlike most shumac trees native to the US , the African sumach has dense evergreen foliage . This growth feature make the tree fantabulous as a shade tree or windbreak .
Here are some other varieties of sumac trees and shrubs
Sugar Sumac ( Rhus ovata)—A small tree or shrub with large green , ovate leaves fold at the midrib . The ‘ boodle bush ’ has beautiful pink and white peak bunch seem in spring . This tough , downcast - maintenance Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree grows 4 to 10 ft . ( 1.2 – 3 m ) tall and wide . Rhus ovatais worthy for USDA zones 7 to 11 .
Sugar sumac ( Rhus ovata ) farewell and yield
Elm - Leaved Sumac ( Rhus coriaria)—Also named Sicilian sumac or Tanner ’s sumac , this large shrub has characteristic pinnate sumac leaves . It ’s prized as a landscape tree for its brilliant red decline foliage and clustering of edible red berries . elmwood - pull up stakes sumach grows in USDA zones 9 and 10 .
Elm - Leaved sumac ( Rhus coriaria )
Littleleaf Sumac ( Rhus microphylla)—This sumac species has the smallest leaves from all the plant kind in the genusRhus . Clusters of tiny , leathery pinnate leaves turn an attractive rosaceous color in the fall . snowy flowers and orangish - crimson berries also identify this cosmetic landscape bush . Also forebode the desert sumac , the plant grows up to 15 ft . ( 4.5 m ) in USDA zone 6 to 10 .
Littleleaf shumac ( Rhus microphylla )
Prairie Sumac ( Rhus lanceolata)—This small ornamental tree or large shrub has long , pinnately compound leaves that turn impassioned violent in the fall . Also called the flameleaf sumac or prairie flameleaf , the landscape plant life has greenish - blanched heyday and black ruby fruits .
Prairie Sumac ( Rhus lanceolata ) blossom and autumn foliage
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