Sumac
Sumac display perhaps the most dramatic fall colors of deciduous shrubs. Flaming red leaves are highly sought after. There are many varieties of this tough and hardy shrub from low growing wild roadside sumac to the well behaved garden cultivars. Often referred to as “poison sumac”, it really is not poisonous but the leaves may cause itch by contact.
Sumac Rhus aromatica ‘Gro-Low Fragrant Sumac’
Hardiness Zones: Zones 3-9
Light Requirements: Full Sun to Part Sun
Water Requirements: Average to dry requirements. Tolerant of dry conditions once established
Mature Height: 2-3 feet
Mature Spread: 6-8 feet
Shape: Dense low spreading
Growth Rate: Fast
Soil Preference: Tolerates poor dry soil, tolerates clay if not wet and shallow rocky soil
Foliage: Glossy green foliage, orange red in autumn
Blooms: Inconspicuous yellow flowers in April to May
Fruit: Clusters of brick red fruits in late summer to late fall.
Disease and Insects: Not generally affected by disease or pests. Minimally susceptible to leaf spot, aphids, mites, rust and scale.
Fertilize: Apply an all purpose, balanced slow release fertilizer in spring
Pruning: Prune anytime
With exceptional flaming orange red fall color, this foliage is also fragrant when brushed up against or crushed. Rich deep green foliage is beautiful all summer, leaves held in leaflets of three. Performs quite well in shade. Most sumac are quite tolerant of just about any soil, sun and water conditions but does prefer an acidic soil. In alkaline soil it may exhibit yellowing of the foliage (chlorosis).
‘Gro-Low’ will spread by root suckers. Fabulous as a ground cover to prevent erosion control and slope management, and perfect to naturalize. Will form a lovely informal hedge. Highly tolerant of urban conditions and pollution. Will attract birds and butterflies.
Sumac Rhus triloba ‘Lemonade Sumac’
Hardiness Zones: Zones 3-9
Light Requirements: Full Sun to Part Shade
Water Requirements: Average to dry requirements. Tolerant of dry conditions once established
Mature Height: 3-8 feet
Mature Spread: 4-10 feet
Shape: Rounded, wide spreading
Growth Rate: Fast
Soil Preference: Tolerates poor dry soil, tolerates clay if not wet and shallow rocky soil
Foliage: Soft green leaves turning blue green then golden yellow in fall
Blooms: Small pink blooms in spring
Fruit: Small clusters of reddish berries
Disease and Insects: Not generally affected by disease or pests. Minimally susceptible to leaf spot, aphids, mites, rust and scale.
Fertilize: Rarely requires feeding.
Pruning: Prune anytime
Lovely deep blue green leaves are aromatic, turning a golden yellow in autumn. ‘Lemonade Sumac’, as well as many varieties you may encounter, are typically native shrubs found growing wild in various regions. Do be cautious in acquiring wild sumac as int can be invasive.
Sumac Rhus typhina Staghorn Sumac
Hardiness Zones: Zones 3-9
Light Requirements: Full Sun to Part Shade
Water Requirements: Average to medium moisture requirements, drought tolerant
Mature Height: 15-25 feet
Mature Spread: 20-30 feet
Shape: Dense upright and spreading
Growth Rate: Fast
Soil Preference: Tolerates poor dry soil, tolerates clay if not wet and shallow rocky soil
Foliage: Glossy green foliage, golden yellow, orange, red in autumn
Blooms: Showy white blooms in panicles of 3 to 6 inches in spring and summer
Fruit: Showy clusters of red berry-like clusters in fall
Disease and Insects: Not generally affected by disease or pests. Minimally susceptible to leaf spot, aphids, mites, rust and scale.
Fertilize: Does not generally require any feeding
Pruning: Prune anytime
This is the native variety of Sumac that grows and spreads into thickets throughout the North and Northeast United States as well as Canada. It will self seed and spread by root suckers. Fall will bring a riot of golden and flaming color to your landscape.
If you have this beautiful fall shrub on your property, you can rejuvenate it periodically by cutting it to the ground. Staghorn Sumac provides excellent nesting places for a variety of bees and insects.