If you’re looking for a tree that can survive in a drier habitat and add character to your garden, the Sumac tree is an excellent choice.
It has many ideal qualities for an outdoor plant, such as high tolerance for sunlight and drought, and it doesn’t require much watering.
I’ve always loved the Sumac tree and have compiled everything I’ve learned about growing them into this brief guide.
Sumac: Beyond the Roots
Scientific Name: Rhus spp.
Family: Cashew
Other Common Names: Shining sumac, Flameleaf sumac, Winged sumac, Dwarf sumac
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-9
Native Countries: Temperate and subtropical regions worldwide
Height and Size When Fully Grown: 1.5 to 20 feet depending on the variation
The Sumac Tree is native to many regions across North America, including southeastern Canada, New England, Georgia, Michigan, Iowa, Missouri, and Mississippi.
Sumacs can vary in size, with some being the size of a small shrub and others the size of a small tree.
They are closely related to cashew, mango, pistachio, Pacific poison oak, and poison ivy.
This plant thrives in different open landscapes such as old fields, savannas, woodlands, roadsides, and other low-ground areas.
Sumacs typically grow in thickets with dense red twigs.
Their compound leaves have multiple smaller leaflets that are green on top and paler underneath.
The fruits range from fuzzy and bright red to brownish-red, and the flower clusters are yellow-green, growing on the branch tips.
Sumac’s Many Uses
Another reason to love Sumac is its versatility.
Sumac berries can be used as an alternative to lemonade.
Instead of lemon juice, you can use Sumac fruits plus a sweetener to make tea.
However, if you’re allergic to poison ivy, be cautious as both plants are closely related and can cause a reaction.
Historically, Sumac was used medicinally to treat diseases such as scurvy, control vomiting and fever, and relieve pain and skin ailments.
Ground Sumac is also an ingredient in za’atar powder, a blend of seasonings and spices commonly used in Mediterranean dishes.
Notable Sumac Varieties
Fragrant Sumac (Rhus aromatica)
This variety resembles poison ivy and is typically smaller.
It has hairy, reddish fruit instead of the white, waxy fruit of poison ivy.
Staghorn Sumac (Rhus typhina)
One of the taller species, growing 15 to 25 feet high.
It gets its name from the hairy fruits resembling deer antler velvet.
Winged Sumac (Rhus copallinum)
Known for wing-like leafy structures along the stem and leaves with shiny tops and velvety undersides.
Smooth Sumac (Rhus glabra)
A thicket-forming shrub without wing-like structures.
The undersides of the leaves have a white, waxy coating.
Supporting Sumac Cultivation at Home
If you want to cultivate Sumac plants at home, consider these factors: proper soil, sunlight needs, watering requirements, wintering, and common plant issues.
Soils for Sumac
Dry soil is ideal for Sumac, so I suggest drying out any soil you will be using.
Sumac is adaptable to any normal pH range with an ideal level between 5.0 and 8.0.
Sumac’s Sunlight Needs
Sumac grows best in full sun or partial shade.
Planting your Sumac in full sun will result in more vibrant colors and more abundant flowers.
Watering Sumac
Watering needs differ between new growths and established shrubs.
New Growths: During early growth stages, water regularly at least once a week to ensure steady growth.
Established Shrubs: Established Sumacs need much less watering.
Give your trees one inch of water per week during drier seasons.
They are drought-tolerant but occasional watering during extra-dry times will help them survive.
Normally, they can survive on rainwater alone.
Helping Sumac Survive Winter
Sumac requires little effort to overwinter due to its resilience.
Established Sumac plants will turn dormant and protect themselves during low temperatures.
For new growths, I advise potting them and moving them indoors to protect the vulnerable roots from frost.
Common Problems and Issues to Watch Out For
Common problems include insects and bugs like aphids, scale insects, and spider mites.
Use Neem oil and insecticidal soap or release plant-friendly ladybugs to eat these pests.
Fungi can also be a problem, remedied by using fungicides, improving drainage, removing loose foliage, and reducing moisture levels.
Root rot, indicated by yellowing leaves and wilting, can be treated by cutting off affected roots and replanting your Sumac in fresh soil.
Copyright © 2004-2023