Shining Sumac

Description

Cultural Information:

Commonly found in waste areas or disturbed areas.  Can be planted in moist (but not wet) soils and does well in dryer situations.  All three species available here are very similar in their cultural requirements.  Plant in full sun; shade limits growth.  Will sucker into a large, spreading colony.  Fall foliage is a striking orange/red color.

Associated Species:

Usually not seen growing with many other species due to the disturbed nature of the soils they inhabit.

Field Observations:

Typically found along roadsides in difficult areas where few other species grow.  The primary differences between these three species are rather subtle ranging from the amount of pubescence on the stems to the shape of the leaf scars.  All have a very showy fall color and the compound pinnate, 18″ long leaves are distinctive.  This species is considered by some to be one of the best sumacs for fall color and rapid growth.