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Shining Sumac, Winged Sumac

Rhus Copallina

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Overview

Rhus copallinum, or Winged Sumac, is a deciduous shrub reaching 10-15 feet tall and wide. Its distinctive feature—wings on leaf stems—complements compound leaves that turn vibrant red in fall. This hardy native thrives in zones 4-9, favoring full sun to light shade and well-drained soil. Drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, it provides excellent fall color and attracts wildlife with its red berries. Ideal for mass plantings or naturalized areas.

Sun Full, HalfWater Low, MediumZones 5–10Climate Temperate

Culture

Sun
Full, Half
Water
Low, Medium
USDA zones
5–10

Shape & size

Classification

Family
Anacardiaceae
Climate
Temperate

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Photos (40)

Shining Sumac, Winged Sumac (Rhus Copallina) — Drought-tolerant and low-maintenance
Shining Sumac, Winged Sumac (Rhus Copallina) — This hardy native thrives in zones 4-9, favoring full sun to light shade and well-drained soil
Shining Sumac, Winged Sumac (Rhus Copallina) — Rhus copallinum, or Winged Sumac, is a deciduous shrub reaching 10-15 feet tall and wide
Shining Sumac, Winged Sumac (Rhus Copallina) — it provides excellent fall color and attracts wildlife with its red berries
Shining Sumac, Winged Sumac (Rhus Copallina) — Its distinctive feature‚Äîwings on leaf stems‚Äîcomplements compound leaves that turn vibrant red in fall
Shining Sumac, Winged Sumac (Rhus Copallina) — This versatile species typically reaches a height of 10 to 15 feet with a similar spread
Shining Sumac, Winged Sumac (Rhus Copallina) — also known as Rhus copallinum or Winged Sumac
Shining Sumac, Winged Sumac (Rhus Copallina) — Ideal for mass plantings or naturalized areas
Shining Sumac, Winged Sumac (Rhus Copallina) — One of the sumac's distinctive features is its compound leaves
Shining Sumac, Winged Sumac (Rhus Copallina) — presenting a rounded to slightly upright form
Shining Sumac, Winged Sumac (Rhus Copallina) — which are 12 to 18 inches long and host 9 to 21 leaflets
Shining Sumac, Winged Sumac (Rhus Copallina) — transforms the shrub into a fiery spectacle with hues of red
Shining Sumac, Winged Sumac (Rhus Copallina) — with conspicuous ridges of tissue between the leaflets contributing to its unique aesthetic
Shining Sumac, Winged Sumac (Rhus Copallina) — and purple.<br><br>Winged Sumac's branches have a characteristic winged appearance
Shining Sumac, Winged Sumac (Rhus Copallina) — the sumac produces clusters of yellowish-green flowers
Shining Sumac, Winged Sumac (Rhus Copallina) — which later develop into dense
Shining Sumac, Winged Sumac (Rhus Copallina) — In late summer through fall
Shining Sumac, Winged Sumac (Rhus Copallina) — These berry-like fruits persist through the winter
Shining Sumac, Winged Sumac (Rhus Copallina) — As a low-maintenance addition
Shining Sumac, Winged Sumac (Rhus Copallina) — making it a practical choice for the eco-conscious gardener or landscaper looking to enhance the local habitat
Shining Sumac, Winged Sumac (Rhus Copallina) — it thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 4-9 and is relatively drought resistant once established
Shining Sumac, Winged Sumac (Rhus Copallina) — although it excels in well-drained loamy or sandy soils
Shining Sumac, Winged Sumac (Rhus Copallina) — Rhus copallinum prefers full sun to part shade and is tolerant of various soil types
Shining Sumac, Winged Sumac (Rhus Copallina) — providing vital food for songbirds and other wildlife.<br><br>Adaptable to a range of conditions

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