Shining Sumac – Rhus copallina
Family Anacardiaceae – Cashew & Sumac Family
Shining sumac is often cultivated where it is well-suited to natural and informal landscapes because it has underground runners which spread to provide dense, shrubby cover for birds and wildlife.
The tree grows in full sun or part shade. Soil tolerances include clay, loam, sand, slightly alkaline, acidic, and well-drained soil. It is drought tolerant.
Native to eastern North America, sumac can be used as a dramatic backdrop in the home landscape.
This species is valued for ornamental planting because of its lustrous dark green foliage which turns a brilliant orange-red in fall.
Shining Sumac – Rhus copallina var. latifolia Morton Arboretum acc. 174-87*2, photos by Bruce Marlin
Family Anacardiaceae – Cashew & Sumac Family
Tree Encyclopedia / North American Insects & Spiders
Online since 2002
