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Rhus coppalina

Flameleaf Sumac

Plant Type:

DECIDUOUS SHRUBS

Rhus coppalina - A handsome slower growing Sumac but make no mistake: the Flameleaf Sumac will want to colonize. Another common moniker is Shining Sumac... there is a satiny sheen on all mature leaves with all new growth glossy. It is also known as Winged Sumac due to the extended tissue on the leaf stems from which all the individual leaflets set in opposite patterning is noticeable upon closer inspection. And it tends to remain smaller than other Sumac cousins which gives rise to, God help us, yet another common name: Dwarf Sumac. Though Rhus coppalina will want to colonize it can be grown as a specimen with mowing which will cut down any of the interlopers that will inevitably occur. As a thicket it forms a good wildlife plant providing nesting and hiding places for birds. Consider a colony in the larger landscape. The Flameleaf Sumac's nativity is Texas north to Nebraska, Iowa and Wisconsin and all states east to the Atlantic plus Ontario, Canada.


Height:

5-8 ft

Spread:

8-15 ft

Colors:

Cream, White

Zone:

4 to 9
What is my hardiness zone?

Characteristics and Attributes for Rhus coppalina

Season of Interest (Flowering)

  • Summer

Season of Interest (Foliage)

  • Spring / Summer / Autumn

Autumn Interest

  • Fruit / Berries / Seed Heads
  • Autumn Leaf Color

Nature Attraction

  • Honey Bees & Native Bees

Light

  • Mostly Sunny
  • Full Sun

Attributes

  • Meadow / Field
  • Wildlife Garden
  • Natural Garden

Growth Rate in the Garden

  • Rapid

Soil

  • Fertile
  • Draining

Origins

  • Central and Eastern North America

Propagated By

  • Division

Genus Overview: Rhus

Common Name: Sumac

These are the Sumacs, colonizing shrubs which have been largely ignored by North American gardeners. It is true that Rhus has been better appreciated across the pond, as it were. It is finally dawning upon some living on this side of the Atlantic Ocean that this the Sumacs are actually very good 4-season shrubs for those who have the space to accommodate them. Fabulous leaves, large and attractive flowers, great fall color and beautiful “candles” in winter atop architectonic wood are all attractive features. Site in full to nearly full sun planted in fertile draining soil. They are colonizing and require space to spread which they will do with gusto where happy. They make fantastic colonies in fields, roadside, on embankments on the backside of old New England stone walls. Under plant them with evergreen ferns, Juniperus virginiana ‘Grey Owl’ or perhaps Microbiota decussata, the Russian Arbor-vitae for a complete design. Most are root cutting grown, some from stem cuttings.