Photo of Rhus copallinum var. latifolia Prairie Flame™ foliage by Chicagoland Grows® Plant Introduction Program

Photo by Chicagoland Grows® Plant Introduction Program

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Rhus copallinum var. latifolia Prairie Flame™

Scientific Name: Rhus copallinum var. latifolia 'Morton'

Also Known As

  • Rhus 'Morton'
  • Rhus copallina Prairie Flame™
  • Rhus copallina var. latifolia 'Morton'
  • Rhus copallina var. latifolia Prairie Flame™
  • Morton Shining Sumac - Prairie Flame™
  • Prairie Flame™ Dwarf Sumac

Plant type

tree, shrub

size

  • H: 5'-15'
  • W: 5'-12'

planting zones

  • 4a-9b

More Options

Rhus copallinum var. latifolia Prairie Flame™ plant details

Rhus copallinum var. latifolia Prairie Flame™ is a broadleaf deciduous shrub or tree with green foliage. In summer cream, green and yellow flowers emerge followed by red fruit. Features glossy texture. Attracts bees and birds making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and even moisture - occasional water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in winter. Does well in average, gritty, lean, rich and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Rhus copallinum var. latifolia Prairie Flame™

Plant type: shrub or tree
Plant family: anacardiaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 5 FT - 12 FT - wide, 5 FT - 15 FT - tall
Flowers: cream, green and yellow blooms in summer
Uses: fall color

GROWING CONDITIONS for Rhus copallinum var. latifolia Prairie Flame™

USDA Zones: 4a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - occasional
Soil needs: average, gritty, lean, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Its compact, smaller (to 5't x 6'w) mounding habit, its glossy foliage and amazingly bright orange-red fall color and its natural tolerance of hard, dry conditions makes this great for erosion control and urban sites. S/D PPAF
Selected from the collections of the Morton Arboretum, Lisle, Illinois. Characteristics of this male clone include a more refined, compact habit than that of the species; beautiful dark, glossy foliage; attractive yellowish-white flowers in late July; and striking red-orange fall color — all of which provide ornamental interest throughout the growing season. The parent plant originated from seed collected in Iroquois County Conservation Area, near the Illinois-Indiana border.
This is a male form that has a nice, compact habit, growing to about 15' tall. Attractive yellow flowers appear in late summer, right before the leaves start changing to a brilliant red-orange in fall.

By: Greer Gardens Inc.

Gardening facts about Rhus copallinum var. latifolia Prairie Flame™ plant

How to Grow Rhus copallinum var. latifolia Prairie Flame™

  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • lean
    • well-drained
    • rich
    • gritty
  • Water Needs

    • even moisture - drought tolerant
  • Water Needs

    • dry in winter
  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly shade

Features

  • Flower Season

    • summer
  • Flower Color

    • cream
    • yellow
    • green
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous
  • Texture

    • glossy
  • Fruit

    • red
  • Wildlife

    • birds
    • bees
  • Foliage Color

    • green
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