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Sumacs (Rhus)
Sumacs are often used as ornamental plants; they bloom in the summer and turn a characteristic red in the fall. Today, leaves from sumacs are used as a source of dark ink for textiles, toys, paper, and other products.
Lifespan
Perennial
Key Facts About Sumacs
Feedback
Attributes of Sumacs
Flower Color
Red
Leaf type
Semi-evergreen
Scientific Classification of Sumacs
Distribution of Sumacs
Feedback
Distribution Map of Sumacs
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
How to Grow and Care for Sumacs
Feedback
The sumacs genus encompasses plants known for their robustness and minimal care requirements. These plants thrive in full to partial sun and prefer moderately moist, well-draining soil. They adapt to a wide range of temperatures but are susceptible to rust and canker diseases, and certain pests like aphids and caterpillars. Seasonal considerations include pruning in early spring to maintain shape and promote growth, while in autumn, leaves may need to be collected due to their tendency to fall.
How to Water Sumacs?
What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Sumacs?
How to Propagate Sumacs?
How to Plant Sumacs?
Exploring the Sumacs Plants
Feedback
8 most common species：
Staghorn sumac
The dried bobs of the staghorn sumac are occasionally used by beekeepers for their smokers. Except for the roots, all parts of the plant can be used to make dyes or dye mordants; the tannins in the sap help prevent the dye colors from fading. Luna moth caterpillars feed on Rhus typhina, and pheasants and wild turkeys pick at the fruits.
Smooth sumac
Smooth sumac (Rhus glabra) is an easily identified shrub species that turns a bright red in autumn. It attracts deer, opossums, and many types of birds. The leaves and wood can be used to create black ink. Smooth sumac is dioecious, and only the female plants produce berries.
Fragrant sumac
Fragrant sumac is a North American deciduous plant. It has silky stems and branches, as well as gleaming turquoise foliage that switches colors ranging from yellow to red. When bruised, the stems and leaves emit a pleasant fragrance. The leaves are believed to resemble poison ivy; however, the plant is completely non-poisonous and even appealing to wild animals.
Chinese sumac
Chinese sumac is a tiny tree with downy stems and leaves that turn red and drop in fall. The plant is widespread in east and south Asia and is used as an ornamental. The fruits are edible, and the tree is a source of tannins and oil. The gall produced by this plant is used in traditional Chinese medicine.
Winged sumac
Winged sumac, or Rhus copallina, is a large ornamental shrub. Female plants will produce brightly colored berries if male shrubs are present, however, both male and female shrubs will turn flaming red to burgundy colors in the fall. Sumacs are hardy, have relatively few natural pests, and control erosion, making them a great choice for a flashy landscaping centerpiece.
Prairie sumac
Prairie sumac (Rhus lanceolata) is a small tree species that reproduces via rhizomes. The leaves of this tree provide an important source of food for deer, while birds eat the fruit during the winter. Because the leaves contain large concentrations of tannins, they are useful in the leather-tanning process.
Lemonade Berry
Lemonade Berry (Rhus integrifolia) is a shrub that’s native to California, both on the coast and in the southwestern part of the state. Candles and brown dye can be made with lemonade Berry's tannin-rich oil, and the wood from a fully-grown plant is often used for kindling.
Sugar Bush
The resilient sugar Bush is often one of the few structures left standing after a fire. These bushes are very drought tolerant (at least after the first year) and flourish with only occasional rainfall. The sugar Bush grows naturally in canyons and chaparral and has aromatic foliage and red fruit.
All Species of Sumacs
Staghorn sumac
Staghorn sumac
The dried bobs of the staghorn sumac are occasionally used by beekeepers for their smokers. Except for the roots, all parts of the plant can be used to make dyes or dye mordants; the tannins in the sap help prevent the dye colors from fading. Luna moth caterpillars feed on Rhus typhina, and pheasants and wild turkeys pick at the fruits.
Smooth sumac
Smooth sumac
Smooth sumac (Rhus glabra) is an easily identified shrub species that turns a bright red in autumn. It attracts deer, opossums, and many types of birds. The leaves and wood can be used to create black ink. Smooth sumac is dioecious, and only the female plants produce berries.
Fragrant sumac
Fragrant sumac
Fragrant sumac is a North American deciduous plant. It has silky stems and branches, as well as gleaming turquoise foliage that switches colors ranging from yellow to red. When bruised, the stems and leaves emit a pleasant fragrance. The leaves are believed to resemble poison ivy; however, the plant is completely non-poisonous and even appealing to wild animals.
Chinese sumac
Chinese sumac
Chinese sumac is a tiny tree with downy stems and leaves that turn red and drop in fall. The plant is widespread in east and south Asia and is used as an ornamental. The fruits are edible, and the tree is a source of tannins and oil. The gall produced by this plant is used in traditional Chinese medicine.
Winged sumac
Winged sumac
Winged sumac, or Rhus copallina, is a large ornamental shrub. Female plants will produce brightly colored berries if male shrubs are present, however, both male and female shrubs will turn flaming red to burgundy colors in the fall. Sumacs are hardy, have relatively few natural pests, and control erosion, making them a great choice for a flashy landscaping centerpiece.
Prairie sumac
Prairie sumac
Prairie sumac (Rhus lanceolata) is a small tree species that reproduces via rhizomes. The leaves of this tree provide an important source of food for deer, while birds eat the fruit during the winter. Because the leaves contain large concentrations of tannins, they are useful in the leather-tanning process.
Lemonade Berry
Lemonade Berry
Lemonade Berry (Rhus integrifolia) is a shrub that’s native to California, both on the coast and in the southwestern part of the state. Candles and brown dye can be made with lemonade Berry's tannin-rich oil, and the wood from a fully-grown plant is often used for kindling.
Sugar Bush
Sugar Bush
The resilient sugar Bush is often one of the few structures left standing after a fire. These bushes are very drought tolerant (at least after the first year) and flourish with only occasional rainfall. The sugar Bush grows naturally in canyons and chaparral and has aromatic foliage and red fruit.
Sicilian sumac
Sicilian sumac
The sicilian sumac grows as a shrub or smaller tree and is between 50 cm and 4 m high. The alternate screw arranged, stalked leaves are usually unpaired pinnate and up to 20 cm long. The leaves and bark contain a lot of tannin. The dried and ground stone fruits, called sumak, are popular as a sour spice in the Middle East.
Evergreen sumac
Evergreen sumac
Evergreen sumac is a shrub that is native to areas of the United States. Its blossoms and fruit attract butterflies, bees, and birds. Its sun-cured leaves were supposedly blended with tobacco for smoking, and its fruit was once used to prepare a drink by the Comanche Indians.
Skunk-bush sumac
Skunk-bush sumac
The leaves of the skunk-bush sumac (Rhus trilobata) have a pungent smell, hence its name. The berries provide food for animals and birds in winter. Many of those creatures also make use of skunk-bush sumac as shelter. The flexible branches can be woven into baskets.
Staghorn sumac 'Dissecta'
Staghorn sumac 'Dissecta'
Staghorn sumac 'Dissecta' is a deciduous shrub known for its stunning fall foliage and winter fruit clusters. This variety has deeply divided leaves, giving it a unique fringed appearance. Native to North America, it has been used to make tea, spice blends, and even dye.
Fragrant sumac
Fragrant sumac
Fragrant sumac is a deciduous shrub recognized for its fragrant leaves and dense clusters of small yellow flowers, which bloom in late spring. Its red berries and vibrant autumn foliage offer a splash of color in natural landscapes. Thriving in well-drained soils, fragrant sumac is adaptable and resilient, often found stabilizing slopes and enriching wildlife habitats by supporting various pollinators and birds.
Rhus standleyi
Rhus standleyi
Rhus standleyi is a handy shrub with several garden and environmental uses. This plant grows well on disturbed soil so it can be used to regenerate poor soil and provide stability to bare slopes. The shrub is also attractive, with small flowers. orange fruits and decorative leaves so it can be grown as a specimen tree or as a hedge. The plant doesn't respond well to frequent frosts so it is best grown in warm climates.
Little leaf sumac
Little leaf sumac
Rhus microphylla is a species of sumac in the family Anacardiaceae, native to North America, in the southwestern United States and northern and central Mexico.
False poison sumac
False poison sumac
False poison sumac is a rare deciduous shrub, esteemed for its clusters of cream-colored flowers and vibrant red autumn foliage. Thriving in sandy woodlands, its low-growing, colony-forming habit showcases resilience against wildfires, embellished by distinctive red berries that beckon birds. This hardy species is a beacon of survival and regeneration in its native habitat.
More Popular Genus
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Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
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About
Key Facts
Distribution
How To Care
All Species
More Genus
Sumacs
Rhus
Sumacs are often used as ornamental plants; they bloom in the summer and turn a characteristic red in the fall. Today, leaves from sumacs are used as a source of dark ink for textiles, toys, paper, and other products.
Lifespan
Perennial
Key Facts About Sumacs
Feedback
Attributes of Sumacs
Flower Color
Red
Leaf type
Semi-evergreen
Scientific Classification of Sumacs
Distribution of Sumacs
Feedback
Distribution Map of Sumacs
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
How to Grow and Care for Sumacs
Feedback
The sumacs genus encompasses plants known for their robustness and minimal care requirements. These plants thrive in full to partial sun and prefer moderately moist, well-draining soil. They adapt to a wide range of temperatures but are susceptible to rust and canker diseases, and certain pests like aphids and caterpillars. Seasonal considerations include pruning in early spring to maintain shape and promote growth, while in autumn, leaves may need to be collected due to their tendency to fall.
How to Water Sumacs?
What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Sumacs?
How to Propagate Sumacs?
How to Plant Sumacs?
Exploring the Sumacs Plants
Feedback
8 most common species：
Staghorn sumac
The dried bobs of the staghorn sumac are occasionally used by beekeepers for their smokers. Except for the roots, all parts of the plant can be used to make dyes or dye mordants; the tannins in the sap help prevent the dye colors from fading. Luna moth caterpillars feed on Rhus typhina, and pheasants and wild turkeys pick at the fruits.
Smooth sumac
Smooth sumac (Rhus glabra) is an easily identified shrub species that turns a bright red in autumn. It attracts deer, opossums, and many types of birds. The leaves and wood can be used to create black ink. Smooth sumac is dioecious, and only the female plants produce berries.
Fragrant sumac
Fragrant sumac is a North American deciduous plant. It has silky stems and branches, as well as gleaming turquoise foliage that switches colors ranging from yellow to red. When bruised, the stems and leaves emit a pleasant fragrance. The leaves are believed to resemble poison ivy; however, the plant is completely non-poisonous and even appealing to wild animals.
Chinese sumac
Chinese sumac is a tiny tree with downy stems and leaves that turn red and drop in fall. The plant is widespread in east and south Asia and is used as an ornamental. The fruits are edible, and the tree is a source of tannins and oil. The gall produced by this plant is used in traditional Chinese medicine.
Show More Species
All Species of Sumacs
More Popular Genus
Feedback
Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
Nearly 5 years of research
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
Continue reading in our app - it's better
A database of 400000+ plants
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
