Sumac, planting guide and care work

Published on: March 15, 2022 Modified on: 29 April 2024

rhus-typhina-staghorn-sumac

The Sumac species (genus Rhus) are cultivated for ornamental and ecological purposes (for stabilizing steep slopes, for ecological reconstruction). The very large leaves and the colourful and persistent fruiting inflorescences give them a special ornamental value. Due to these characteristics, the Sumac was introduced in parks, gardens and alignments in most countries with temperate climates.

Species and varieties

Rhus typhina (Staghorn sumac)

It is a small shrub or tree, with a height of up to 8-10 m, rarely up to 12 m, native to North America. It is the most widespread species of sumac, cultivated on a large scale in many countries, both for ornamental purposes and for ecological purposes. Due to its well-developed rooting system, the sumac is often used to strengthen slopes. Additionally, due to its capacity to form root suckers, it is a suitable species for the ]afforestation of degraded lands, where it colonizes the land and contributes to the improvement of the soil quality. The crown is specific, wide and short, with irregularly arranged branches. The stems are very thick and hairy, with alternatively arranged buds and with specific scars at the base of each bud. The leaves are compound, large, up to 50 cm long. Each leaf has between 11 and 31 long leaflets (up to 13 cm long), with a pointed tip. In autumn, the leaves turn red. The flowers are arranged in straight, upwards-oriented, greenish panicles. The fruits (drupes) also have ornamental value due to their red-purple color and grouping in large, hairy, straight, upwards-oriented clusters, like cones. Maturation takes place in October, and the fruit remains in the crown until spring.

There are several varieties of Staghorn sumac, among which we mention: Rhus typhina ‘Dissecta’, Rhus typhina ‘Laciniata’ and Rhus typhina ‘Tiger Eyes’.

Rhus glabra (Smooth sumac)

Very similar species to the Staghorn sumac, also of North American origin. It reaches heights of up to 3-4 m and is less widespread for ornamental purposes.

Rhus coriaria (Sicilian sumac)

Shrub species native to southern Eurasia, with heights of up to 3-4 m. In some regions, it is cultivated for its aromatic fruits, used in the culinary and cosmetic industries.

Environmental conditions

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Light. The sumac is demanding in terms of light, developing normally in abundant light conditions. It can also be planted in partial shade, and sometimes it can be found under the crown of taller trees.

Temperature. It is resistant to low temperatures during the cold season, but also to drought.

Soil. It has great adaptability in terms of soil. Thus, it can be cultivated on poor, calcareous, sandy soils, or even on ones with low salinity. It is often planted on degraded lands, for fixing slopes and ecological reconstruction, for consolidating slopes, etc.

Care

Watering. It requires occasional watering during dry periods.

Fertilization. For optimal growth and development, it is recommended to apply specific fertilizers during the vegetative growth period (spring-autumn, especially in the case of poor soils).

Recommended products

Read carefully and follow the instructions on the label of each product

Pruning. In order to maintain the aesthetic appearance of the sumac, it is recommended to remove the dry or drying branches. If necessary, unwanted or too long branches can be also removed.

Recommended products

Read carefully and follow the instructions on the label of each product

Planting. It is recommended to be done in autumn or spring. For successful planting, it is recommended to dig a hole of optimal size, so that the roots are easily placed and covered with enough soil. It is recommended to apply a specific fertilizer (granule type) in the planting hole. After planting, the soil has to be well compacted around the seedling and watered abundantly.

Recommended products

Read carefully and follow the instructions on the label of each product

Propagation. Due to the active formation of root suckers, it usually resorts to the sumac’s vegetative propagation. Germination of seeds is also practised. In this case, sowing is done in early spring (or even at the end of winter), in greenhouses.

Recommended products

Read carefully and follow the instructions on the label of each product
rhus-typhina-staghorn-sumac-pests

Diseases and pests. In general, the sumac is less susceptible to diseases and pests. However, in case of diseases (leaf spot, rot) or pests (aphids, caterpillars of different species of butterflies, Calophya triosomima, Saissetia oleae, etc.) it is recommended to apply specific treatments, with approved insecticides and fungicides.

Recommended products

Read carefully and follow the instructions on the label of each product

Recommended products

Read carefully and follow the instructions on the label of each product
Additionally:
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  • the longevity of the sumac is quite low, approx. 50 years;
  • it is resistant to pollution;
  • due to active root sucker formation, it is sometimes considered an invasive species;
  • it is a species with high faunal value, offering food and shelter to many species of insects and birds;
  • the content of tannins is high in the bark and leaves;
  • the fruits of certain species of sumac are used in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical and culinary industries.
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