rhus

( ROOS )

At-A-Glance Information

This genus of evergreen and deciduous shrubs and trees includes species which need full sun and regular to moderate water to thrive in the landscape. These plants will attract birds to the garden. Commonly called Sumac or Sumach, these trees have great fall foliage colors. Female trees produce showy clusters of red fruits. Use Rhus shrubs and trees as erosion control in sloped areas, in naturalized native borders, or in wildlife or pollinator gardens. They can also serve as screening plants or informal hedges. Take care when planting these trees and shrubs in the landscape, as some species are toxic and can also cause severe skin reactions (contact dermatitis).

rhus Species and Varietals

The genus Rhus is a member of the plant family Anacardiaceae, and includes 35 species. The plants in this genus are related to those in Toxicodendron (Poison Sumac), Cotinus (Smokebush), Mangifera (Mango), Anacardium (Cashew), and Pistacia (Pistachio). The best growing zones for Sumac vary depending on the species; for more information, read the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Rhus aromatica (Fragrant Sumac, Aromatic Sumac, Lemon Sumac, Skunkbush, Polecat Sumac, Polecat Bush, Skunk Bush)
This deciduous shrub is native to North America, and is a woody plant that reaches between 2 and 5 feet tall and 5 and 10 feet wide when mature. Flowers are yellow and bloom March through May. Leaves and stems emit a lemony scent when crushed or cut. These plants are not commonly used for landscaping but are handy for erosion control in hard-to-cover areas. This species grows well in USDA hardiness zones 3-9.

Rhus chinensis (Chinese Sumac, Nutgall Tree, Chinese Gall, Yánfùmù, 盐肤木)
This species forms a deciduous shrub or small tree that reaches to 15-25 feet tall and has foliage that turns red in fall. These plants are native to east and south Asia and are suited for growing in USDA hardiness zones 5-8. 

Rhus copallinum (Winged Sumac, Shining Sumac, Dwarf Sumac, Flameleaf Sumac)
This species is native to eastern North America, and forms a 11-18 foot tall deciduous tree. These trees are often cultivated, and are well-suited for informal landscapes, where its spread can provide shrubby cover for local wildlife. Flowers are yellow, fruits will attract birds. Winged Sumac trees are suited for USDA hardiness zones 4-9.

Rhus coriaria (Sicilian Sumac, Tanner's Sumac, Elm-Leaved Sumach, Culinary Sumac)
This species is a deciduous shrub to small tree that is antive to southern Europe and western Asia. Dried fruits are used as a spice (Za'atar) in some areas of its native range. These trees can grow in a variety of soils as long as they are well-draining and reach up to 10 to 16 feet tall and just as wide at maturity. Sicilian Sumac is suited for growing in USDA hardiness zones 8-11.

Rhus copallina (Shining Sumac, Winged Sumac, Flaming Sumac, Dwarf Sumac, Copal Sumac)
This species does well in USDA hardiness zones 4-9 or Sunset growing zones 2-9 and 14-18 and takes the form of a deciduous shrub or tree that spreads widely via suckering. These plants top out around 10-30 feet tall and have brilliant red foliage color in fall. Summertime flower spikes are followed by clusters of dark red, fuzzy fruits. 

Rhus glabra (Smooth Sumac, White Sumac, Upland Sumac, Scarlet Sumac, Western Sumac)
This deciduous shrub or tree grows well in USDA hardiness zones 3-9 or Sunset growing zones 1-10 and 14-17 and is native to North America. It reaches 10 feet tall and spreads widely by suckers. If grown as a tree, this plant can reach a height of 20 feet.. Leaves are deep green above, white underneath. Fall color is deep red. Early summertime flowers are inconspicuous but are followed by showy fruit clusters that hang on into wintertime. 

​Rhus integrifolia (Lemonade Berry, Lemonade Sumac, Lemonadeberry, Coast Sumac)
These shrubs are evergreen, and grow well in USDA hardiness zones 8-10 or Sunset growing zones 8, 9, 14-17, and 19-24. They are native to southern California, the Channel Islands, and Baja California. These shrubs commonly reach 3-10 feet tall, but when pruned as a tree can reach up to 30 feet. Leaves are dark green and leathery and midwinter to springtime flowers are white or pink-tinted. Fruits produced by these plants are gummy, but are used to flavor drinks, hence the species' common name. Great as a large-scale groundcover, as a windbreak, screening or background plant, or as an espalier against walls and fences. These plants can also be used as a formal hedge, if sheared and maintained. Useful for erosion control, but very susceptible to Verticillium Wilt.

Rhus kearneyi (Kearney's Sumac, Kearney Sumac, Zumaque)
This species is native to the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico and forms a shrub or small tree to 13 feet tall. Twigs and leaf petioles are red, and flowers are cream to pink in color. Kearney's Sumac is suited for growing in USDA hardiness zones 9-11.

​Rhus lancea (African Sumac, Karee, Karree, Willow Rhus, Willow-Leaved Sumac, Mokalaabata, Hlokoshiyne, Umhlakotshane)
Best in USDA hardiness USDA hardiness zones 8-11 or Sunset growing zones 8, 9, and 12-24, this slow-growing evergreen species reaches 20-30 feet tall and 20-35 feet wide at maturity. It has an open, spreading habit with graceful weeping branches and dark green leaves. Early springtime flowers are inconspicuous and followed by small yellow or red fruits. Can be trained into a small tree or hedge, and is useful as a screening, background or specimen plant as well. Can take desert heat, but is susceptible to Texas Root Rot. This species is considered invasive in Arizona and regions of southern California.

Rhus lanceolata (Prairie Sumac, Prairie Flameleaf Sumac, Flamelaf Sumac, Texas Sumac)
These shrubs or small trees can reach up to 30 feet tall, and spreads via underground rhizome roots. Flowers are white to greenish, and fruits that follow blooms are bird favorites. These plants are native to Texas, Oklahoma, Arizona, New Mexico, and northern Mexico and are suited for growing in USDA hardiness zones 5-9b.

Rhus michauxii (False Poison Sumac, Michaux's Sumac, Dwarf Sumac)
Endemic to the southeastern United States, these plants are considered endangered due to habitat degradation. This species forms a small, hairy shrub up to 1-2 feet tall. Flowers are white to greenish yellow, and fruits are red drupes that develop in late summer and early fall. False Poison Sumac grows well in USDA hardiness zones 5-9.

Rhus ovata (Schmaltzia ovata) (Sugar Sumac, Sugar Bush, Taco Bush, Chaparral Sumac)
This deciduous shrub is best in USDA hardiness zones 8-10 or Sunset growing zones 9-12 and 14-24, and reaches 4-10 feet tall and wide, though size varies somewhat. These shrubs are native to Arizona, southern California and Baja California. Leaves are leathery and glossy, and flowers are white or pink, blooming in large clusters in springtime. Fruit that follows is reddish and hairy. This species is relatively resistant to pests and diseases.

Rhus sandwicensis (Neneleau, Neleau, Hawaiian Sumac, )
This species forms a small tree to between 15 and 25 feet tall and is endemic to Hawai'i. The specific epithet refers to the 'Sandwich Islands' (the name Captain Cook had bestowed upon the islands). These trees prefer dry costal climates as well as wet forested areas. Hawaiian Sumac is suited for USDA hardiness zones 10-12.

​Rhus trilobata (Squawbush, Skunkbush, Sourberry, Three-Leaf Sumac, Basketbush, Aromatic Sumac)
This deciduous shrub species does well in USDA hardiness zones 3-8 or Sunset growing zones 1-12 and 14-21 and is native to the western -central United States to Texas and California and north to Washington. It has a clumping habit and creates a natural low hedge that is wonderful for erosion control purposes. Fall color is bright yellow and red. The common names of this species come from the fact that the leaves, when crushed, produce a somewhat unpleasant smell.

​Rhus typhina (Staghorn Sumac, Velvet Sumac, Stag's Horn Sumach)
This deciduous shrub or tree grows well in USDA hardiness zones 3-8 or Sunset growing zones A1-A3, 1-10 and 14-17 and is native to eastern North America. The common name for this plant comes from the fact that the branches are covered in small hairs, as are the antlers of a deer. Leaves are dark green above, greyish underneath, and turn yellow, orange, and red in autumn. Flowers are greenish, and bloom in early summer; these are followed by fruits that are fuzzy and crimson, staying on the plant through wintertime. Can be grown in a container. Varieties include 'Laciniata' (a female plant with deeply cut leaflets to 10-12 feet tall) and 'Tiger Eyes' (with golden foliage reaching 6 feet tall and wide).

Rhus virens (Evergreen Sumac, Tobacco Sumac, Lambrisco, Lentrisco, Lentisco)
This almost evergreen species of Sumac is native to Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and northern and central areas of Mexico and is suited for USDA hardiness zones 7-11. These shrubs or small trees reach between 6 and 10 feet tall, and have spreading branches. Flowers are inconspicuous and greenish white, and fruits that follow are red when ripe in September. These plants can make great thick privacy screening plants, or can be trimmed into a tree. These are fast-growing and will drop their leaves for week-long period at the end of wintertime.

Caring for rhus

Take care when planting these trees and shrubs in the landscape, as some species are toxic and can also cause severe skin reactions (contact dermatitis). ​Before installing these trees and shrubs, consider installing a root barrier to prevent their suckering tendencies from becoming a problem in the landscape. The root barrier should extend 12 to 24 inches deep and 1 or 2 inches above the soil line. Burying a preventive barrier is a recommended option for smaller gardens. Also keep in mind that female trees produce small berry fruits that turn red and drop in summer and fall, which can create a mess on sidewalks, driveways, and patios. Opt for male trees to avoid this issue. Choose a place in the landscape that receives full sun. These trees will flower and subsequently fruit more profusely in this exposure. They should be receiving a minimum of 8 hours of sun each day. The ideal soil for Rhus plants is light, sandy, loamy and, of course, well-draining. These trees do not like to get their feet wet, so do not plant these trees in areas that flood regularly. Apply a thick layer of mulch around the base of trees to suppress weed growth, increase soil moisture retention, and help to regulate soil temperatures. Young trees should be watered regularly in order for them to develop a strong root system. Water established trees deeply but infrequently, allowing soil to dry out between waterings. They are considered drought tolerant, and are able to get by on rainwater alone for most of the year.

Sumac trees can get by on applications of organic compost each year in spring to support their flowering and production for the year. If trees seem to be struggling, are planted in particularly poor soil, or are not producing well, they may benefit from a feeding with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied in early springtime. Young trees should be pruned up to encourage a strong central leader to develop. Remove any branches that are growing directly across from each other, and leave branches that are spaced evenly around the trunk. Trim away any branches below the lowest main branch if creating a tree form. For mature trees, prune in the late winter or early springtime, removing dead, diseased, and damaged branches. Take out crossing branches and open up the canopy, always cutting back to an outward facing bud. Prune root suckers as they form. Sumac trees can survive for decades in the landscape before needing to be replaced. They typically sucker freely, and colonies can survive indefinitely. Suckers can be divided from their parent tree and transplanted elsewhere. For instructions on how to successfully divide Sumac, see the Propagation section below.

Harvesting Rhus
Before harvesting Sumac, ensure that you have the correct plant. These shrubs and trees can look quite similar to Toxicodendron vernix, or Poison Sumac, which has loose, drooping clusters of whitish grey berries. Also, if you have a severe Cashew or Mango allergy, test Sumac cautiously before consuming, as they are all in the same botanical family. Rhus trees and shrubs produce tart fruits called Sumac Berries that can be used in culinary applications. The species typically harvested for Sumac Berries are Rhus coriaria (Sicilian or Culinary Sumac), Rhus typhina (Staghorn Sumac), or Rhus glabra (Smooth Sumac). Berries are held in dense, upright clusters from late summer to early fall. Snip the entire tight cone-shaped berry clusters using clean, sharp shears. Place the harvested clusters gently into a breathable basket or cloth bag. The berries can then be processed and used as desired. They have a sharp, tangy lemony flavor profile due to high malic acid and Vitamin C content. They can be eaten fresh or crushed and steeped in cold water for 20-60 minutes, strained, and served over ice in a preparation called 'Sumac-ade'.

To dry berries, rinse them with cold water and then hang them in bunches in a cool, dark, dry place for 2 to 4 weeks. Alternatively, they can be placed in a dehydrator at 130 degrees Fahrenheit for 6-8 hours or baked (with the door slightly open) in a single layer on parchment-paper lined baking sheets at 100 to 150 degrees Fahrenheit for 6 to 12 hours. They are fully dried when they are brittle, hard, and completely non-sticky to the touch. Individual drupes should shatter or flake off the main stem, and breaking a berry open should not reveal any remaining moisture or damp pulp inside. After they are fully dry, strip berries from the main woody stems. Pulse them in a food processor or blender, and then sift to sort out the hard seeds. The result should be a rich, tangy deep red to purplish powder. It can be stored in an airtight glass container in a cool, dark cupboard and has a shelf life of 1 to 2 years. This powder is widely used in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cooking, and has a tart, fruity, citrus-like flavor, similar to fresh lemon juice but more savory. It is a core component of the seasoning blend Za'atar and is also widely used as a finishing spice, rubbed on meats, or mixed into salads, rice or hummus.

​Disclaimer: Information contained on this website is strictly and categorically intended as a reference to be used in conjunction with experts in your area. Foraging and consumption of plant parts should never begin without the guidance and approval of a local plant specialist. The providers of this website accept no liability for the use or misuse of information contained in this website.

Propagation

Rhus, or Sumac, trees and shrubs can be propagated by seed, division or root cutting. These plants will reproduce asexually via suckering, and these volunteer plants can be divided and replanted elsewhere. Root cuttings are taken during the dormant winter season. To propagate your Rhus, follow the directions below:

Propagating Rhus by Seed
Before trying this method, keep in mind that propagation by seed does not ensure that you will end up with the exact same plant as you harvested the seed from. If you are looking for an exact clone of the parent plant, propagate by division or root cutting. To complete this propagation method, you will need to allow the flowers to stay on the plant long enough to come to seed, so do not deadhead all of your flowers. To grow Rhus from seed, follow these directions:
  1. Gather your materials. You will need a pot filled with well-draining potting soil. Berries are held in dense, upright clusters from late summer to early fall. Each berry contains a single seed.
  2. Macerate and rinse the berries to strip the fleshy outer pulp from the seeds. Next, place them in a heat-safe bowl and pour boiling water over them. Let them soak for 24 hours to soften their hard outer seed coat.
  3. Place the treated seeds in a plastic bag or other sealable container filled with moistened sand or peat moss. Keep them in a fridge at 32 degrees Fahrenheit for 60 to 90 days. After this period, remove them and sow them.
  4. Plant seeds in a well-draining mix 1/8 to 1/4 inch below the surface. Sprinkle potting medium over the top until the seeds are just lightly dusted. As the seeds are starting out, it is best to use a spray bottle to add moisture to avoid uncovering their light soil topping. Keep the soil moist as the seeds develop, using a seed tray cover or plastic bag to cover your pot to keep moisture in and humidity high.
  5. Continue to monitor for moisture and adequate soil covering until the seeds start to sprout, which should take about 10 to 30 days. 

Propagating Rhus by Division
Division is probably the easiest way to propagate these plants. Sumac trees and shrubs naturally spread by sending out underground root shoots called suckers. The idea behind division is that you are taking an existing sucker from a live plant and replanting it elsewhere. To engage in this method, you will need a clean shovel, clean pruning saw, and extra pots with well-draining soil (if you are not going to plant the divisions in the ground). The best time of the year to divide Sumac is in early spring or late fall when plants are dormant. To propagate your Sumac by division, follow the instructions below:
  1. Identify the sucker that will be removed. It should be located at least 1 to 2 feet away from the parent plant and have its own small root system. Start by loosening the soil around the plant with your shovel, working your way inward to avoid causing damage to the roots. Expose the horizontal root that connects the sucker to the mother plant.
  2. Using sharp, clean shears or a pruning saw, cut the connector root cleanly, leaving a few inches of the runner attached to the sucker. Gently lift the sucker out of the ground, digging more to loosen roots if needed.
  3. If you will be planting your division in the ground, this is when you'll prepare your new hole. Dig a hole (large enough to accommodate the root ball of the clump you are planting) in the ground with your shovel in a sunny location with soil that is well-draining. Backfill with well-draining soil and water generously.
  4. If you are transporting your division elsewhere, or hanging on to it until you're ready to plant it, you'll need your pot filled with potting soil. Dig a hole large enough to accommodate the root ball of your division, and place your new plant in the soil. Water generously, ensuring that adequate drainage is occurring. Place the pot in a sunny location until you are ready to plant it in the ground and water daily.
​
Propagating Rhus by Root Cutting
  1. In late fall or early spring, dig down to find the thick, fleshy lateral roots or underground runners of the plant. Cut 3 6-inch sections from the root, making sure each section is about the width of a pencil and has a few visible tiny bud bumps. Make sure to keep track of which end of the cuttings were closer to the mother plant.
  2. Place the cuttings in a bag with a moist paper towel to prevent them from drying out.
  3. Fill a pot well-draining potting medium amended with compost or prepare a space in the landscape. Lay the root cuttings horizontally about 1 to 2 inches below the soil surface, or plant them vertically with the end that grew closer to the main trunk of its mother plant facing upwards.
  4. Keep the soil evenly moist as the transplanted root cutting establishes itself.
Sumac fruits are called drupes, and they are held in dense upright clusters. Each fruit contains one seed.
Sumac seeds are tiny, hard and dark brown.

Problems and Pests

Rhus trees and shrubs can be susceptible to developing issues with the following pests and diseases:
  • ​Aphids
  • Scale Insects
  • Spider Mites
  • Psyllids
  • Thrips
  • Root Rot
  • Powdery Mildew
  • Leaf Spot
  • Fusarium Wilt
  • Verticillium Wilt
For more information on these pests and diseases, including how to treat and prevent them, consult the following pages:
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Gallery

These trees have beautiful fall color.
Sumac berries can stain hard and soft surfaces, but color will quickly fade in the sun and wash out in the rain.
Dwarf cultivars of Sumac like 'Tiger Eyes' can be grown successfully in containers.
Sumac trees have year-round interest.
African Sumac is a great addition to drought-tolerant landscapes.
Sumac trees form colonies through suckering in their native landscapes.

Videos

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Resources

How to Plant and Grow a Sumac Tree
Fragrant Sumac Care and Growing Tips
How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Rhus glabra
Growing Sumac Shrubs: The Complete Care Guide
Wikipedia: Sumac
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Pages 564 - 565, Rhus