Photo of Rhus copallinum fruit by Riverbanks Outdoor Store

Photo by Riverbanks Outdoor Store

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Rhus copallinum

Also Known As

  • Rhus copallina
  • Flameleaf
  • Flameleaf Sumac
  • Winged or Shining Sumac

Plant type

shrub

size

  • H: 10'-30'
  • W: 10'-20'

planting zones

  • 4a-9b

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Rhus copallinum plant details

Rhus copallinum is a broadleaf deciduous shrub with green foliage. In summer green and yellow flowers emerge followed by red fruit. Features glossy texture. Attracts butterflies making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and even moisture - regular water. Prefers to be dry in winter. Does well in rich and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Rhus copallinum

Plant type: shrub
Plant family: anacardiaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 10 FT - 20 FT - wide, 10 FT - 30 FT - tall
Flowers: green and yellow blooms in summer
Uses: colonizing, fall color, naturalizing

GROWING CONDITIONS for Rhus copallinum

USDA Zones: 4a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular
Resistant to: deer
Soil needs: rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

For dry, rocky sites, this large shrub (to 25') becomes a picturesque spreading specimen; lustrous dark-green foliage is wine-red in fall. S/M-D
A wonderful little native with shiny green pinnate leaves that could go more or less unnoticed until Fall when it becomes the star of the garden! Sock it to me Red color (well, it IS called Flameleaf Sumac after all) that makes everything around it look better. Takes full sun to mostly shade. Best for dry, informal, naturalized areas where it can be allowed to spread and form colonies. It is stoloniferous, spreading by runners.

By: Lazy S'S Farm Nursery

Gardening facts about Rhus copallinum plant

How to Grow Rhus copallinum

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly shade
  • Water Needs

    • even moisture - regular
  • Water Needs

    • dry in winter
  • Soil Needs

    • well-drained
    • rich

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • yellow
    • green
  • Wildlife

    • butterflies
    • deer resistant
  • Fruit

    • red
  • Flower Season

    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous
  • Texture

    • glossy

See other plant types of Rhus for your garden

Scientific Name: Rhus typhina 'Bailtiger'

aka Rhus typhina 'Laciniata Gold Form', Rhus typhina 'Tiger Eyes', Laciniata Gold Form Staghorn Sumac, Staghorn Sumac

Plant Type

Tree

Zones

4a-9b

Size

Height: 10'-15'

Width: 10'-15'

  • sun - mostly sun
  • even moisture - regular
  • dry in winter
Photo of Rhus typhina Tiger Eyes® PP16185 foliage by Karl Gercens III
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aka Sugar Bush, Sugar Sumac

Plant Type

Tree, Shrub

Zones

7a-10b

Size

Height: 6'-30'

Width: 7'-30'

  • sun
  • occasional - drought tolerant
  • dry in summer
Photo of Rhus ovata close-up, foliage by Stan Shebs
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aka Skunkbush, Sour Berry, Three-leaf Sumac

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

3a-10b

Size

Height: 2'-6'

Width: 6'-10'

  • sun
  • even moisture - regular
  • dry in winter
Photo of Rhus trilobata foliage, form, fruit by Stan Shebs
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aka Cut-Leaf Sumac

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

2a-9b

Size

Height: 8'

Width: 8'

  • sun
  • even moisture - regular
  • dry in winter
Photo of Rhus glabra 'Laciniata' foliage by Conifer Kingdom
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aka Rhus pendulina, Rhus viminalis, Kareeboom Rosyne, Kareehout, River Karee, Rivierkaree, White Karee, Willow Karee, Witkaree

Plant Type

Tree

Zones

9a-11

Size

Height: 12'-25'

Width: 25'

  • sun
  • even moisture - low
  • dry in winter
Photo of Searsia pendulina foliage, form by Annie's Annuals & Perennials
View Plant

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