Limited Quantities - Reserve Now For Fall
-
Intermediate Zones 4-9
-
-
-
Flameleaf Sumac
Flameleaf Sumac
Couldn't load pickup availability
Rhus copallinum
Flameleaf Sumac – Product Description
The Flameleaf Sumac also known as Winged Sumac or Shining Sumac, is a striking native shrub or small tree admired for its fiery fall foliage, upright form, and wildlife-friendly berries. Its glossy green leaves turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and scarlet in autumn, living up to its name with a blaze of seasonal color.
Resilient, drought-tolerant, and ecologically valuable, Flameleaf Sumac is a top choice for naturalized plantings, erosion control, and habitat restoration.
Flameleaf Sumac Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| 🌿 Botanical Name | Rhus copallinum |
| 🏷️ Common Names | Flameleaf Sumac, Shining Sumac, Winged Sumac |
| 🌳 Mature Height | 8–15 feet |
| 🌐 Mature Width | 6–12 feet |
| 📈 Growth Rate | Moderate to fast (18–36" per year) |
| ⏳ Lifespan | 30–60+ years |
| 🧊 USDA Zones | 4–9 |
| ❄️ Chill Hours | 400–800 hours |
| ☀️ Sun Preference | Full sun to light shade (best color in full sun) |
| 🧱 Soil Type | Well-drained sandy or rocky soils; tolerates poor soils |
| ⚖️ Soil pH | Acidic to neutral (4.5–7.0) |
| 💧 Water Needs | Low; very drought-tolerant once established |
| 🌸 Flower Color | Greenish-yellow panicles; midsummer |
| 🍒 Fruit Type | Red fuzzy drupes in clusters; high wildlife value |
| 🐝 Pollinators | Supports bees, wasps, butterflies, and beetles |
| 🌿 Growth Habit | Upright, suckering, colony-forming shrub |
| ↔️ Spacing | 8–12 ft apart for naturalized effect or privacy |
| 🏡 Landscape Uses | Erosion control, wildlife plantings, fall color borders |
| 🧹 Maintenance Level | Very low |
Environmental Benefits
🌸 Produces midsummer nectar and pollen for native pollinators
🍒 Feeds birds and mammals with late-season nutrient-rich fruit
🌱 Spreads to form thickets that stabilize soil and prevent erosion
🔥 Provides essential cover and food for quail, turkey, and songbirds
Pros & Cons
| ✅ Pros | ⚠️ Cons |
|---|---|
| 🍁 Brilliant red-orange fall color | 🌿 Spreads aggressively by root suckers |
| 🌞 Thrives in poor, dry soils | ✂️ May require control in manicured landscapes |
| 🐝 Valuable pollinator and wildlife resource | 🍒 Fruit not palatable for humans |
| 💧 Excellent drought resistance | 🔥 Can become dominant in open areas if unchecked |
| 🌾 Perfect for native meadows and erosion-prone slopes | 🌳 Not ideal for tight urban plantings or small beds |
Planting & Care Guide
🛁 Soak root zone well at planting to reduce shock
🕳️ Dig a wide, shallow hole to accommodate fibrous root system
🌾 Mulch to suppress weeds and conserve moisture
💦 Water occasionally in the first year, then reduce or cease
✂️ Prune suckers if spread needs to be limited
🧪 Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers; thrives in lean soils
The Flameleaf Sumac is a bold, native powerhouse with unmatched fall color and ecological benefits. Whether you're stabilizing a slope, building a wildlife thicket, or adding fiery contrast to your landscape, this low-maintenance shrub earns its place with beauty and resilience.
Share
