Rhus

Anacardiaceae

Sumach

Deciduous small trees and shrubs and a few climbers, attractive ornamental foliage, striking in autumn; leaves can be entire or pinnate; colourful fruits.

Uses

Sap is poisonous (a reason why they are banned in some places); shrubbery, foliage display.

Culture

Most soils; prefers a sunny position. Prune for shape after flowering. Prune R. glabra and R. typhina back hard in spring to encourage foliage growth.

Propagation

Semi-hardwood cuttings can be taken in summer with bottom heat to 16-18 degrees C and kept in a cold frame over winter. Otherwise, separate suckers in autumn or layer in spring and detach new plants after one to two years.

Cultivars

Though relatively common as a garden plant in some places, the fact that it is a poisonous plant is restricting it's wider use in many countries.

One cultivated species is:

R. glabra (Smooth Sumach): A medium sized spreading shrub to 2.6m, smooth pinnate green leaves with silver-grey undersides turning bright red in autumn; and hairy dark red autumn fruits.

Plant Health

Hardy; few pests but may suffer dieback from verticillium wilt or poor growing conditions.

More info

Widespread in temperate regions, and some in subtropical North America, Asia, South Africa and northern Australia; around 200 species.

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