Sumac Tree Info Learn About Common Sumac Varieties For Gardens

Are there different types of sumac?

The most popular sumacs for landscape use are winged, staghorn, and smooth sumac, either the native wild species or specially-bred cultivated varieties such as the golden leaf “Tiger Eye” sumac. Staghorn sumac (Rhus typhina) is a small tree with branches that spread to make a small rounded crown.

How do you identify a sumac tree?

Shining sumac is easily identified by its grooved stems between the leaflets. This stem configuration is quite distinctive once you notice it – it looks like it has been given grooves. Poison sumac has smooth, round stems.

How fast do sumac trees grow?

Growth Habit

The staghorn sumac (Rhus typhina) is a loosely formed shrub or weedy tree of fast growth rate, which means it grows at least 24 inches in a season, sometimes more. Winter hardy to USDA zones 3 through 8, it has a flat-topped crown and can grow to between 15 and 25 feet, and will sucker if not tended.

How tall do sumac trees get?

Sumac

genus name	Rhus
plant type	Shrub
height	3 to 8 feet 8 to 20 feet
width	Up to 15 feet
flower color	Green White

What is the difference between sumac and poison sumac?

Poison Sumac

The difference between poison and harmless sumac is most noticeable in the berries on the two plants. Poison sumac has clusters of white or light-green berries that sag downward on its branches, while the red berries of harmless sumac sit upright.

What kills sumac trees?

Sumac responds readily to treatment with triclopyr (Tradename Garlon), a broad-leaf specific herbicide that is very effective against woody plants.

What does harmless sumac look like?

Just remember that they do not have smooth-edged leaves or pendulous white berries. Most varieties of harmless sumac share these qualities: Frond-like stems with pairs of leaves running the length. ... The stems are green or yellow, rosy pink or another color that blends with the plant (not bright, aggressive red).

What are sumac trees good for?

Evergreen sumac can be used to create a hedge or screen, or it can be pruned to favor a single leader to form a straight trunk and tree-like shape. Only female plants produce flowers and berries. This shrub is fast-growing, drought-tolerant, and it is mostly resistant to insects and diseases.

How do you eat sumac?

Ground, dried sumac berries taste great as a spice rub for lamb, fish and chicken. These berries are also used as a salad topping, and you can include them in your favorite dressings. Middle Eastern chefs use sumac as a topping for fattoush salad, and are often sprinkled on hummus to add both color and a zesty flavor.

Is sumac poisonous to touch?

Although toxic to the touch for humans, poison sumac berries are not toxic to birds. 2 Many birds, including quail, treat the berries as an emergency food source in winter.

Is sumac poisonous to dogs?

2 Most humans are allergic to urushiol and will develop a rash. Note that poison ivy, oak, and sumac are not toxic to dogs and cats if eaten. However, the plant oils should be removed from the pet's coat to avoid transmission to humans in the home.

Can you grow sumac from a cutting?

The best propagation method for the Staghorn sumac is through root cuttings, which quickly form adventitious buds known as root suckers. ... The root cuttings should be extracted in the early spring before any leaves are visible on the shoots, but can be taken in the fall.

What animals eat sumac?

Ring-necked pheasant, bobwhite quail, wild turkey, and about 300 species of songbirds include sumac fruit in their diet. It is also known to be important only in the winter diets of ruffed grouse and the sharp-tailed grouse. Fox squirrels and cottontail rabbits eat sumac bark. White-tail deer like the fruit and stems.

Which sumac trees are poisonous?

Whereas poison sumac is known to botanists as Toxicodendron vernix, staghorn sumac is classified as Rhus typhina. The very genus name of poison sumac indicates its toxic nature.

Is Sumac a tree or bush?

Sumacs are dioecious shrubs and small trees in the family Anacardiaceae that can reach a height of 1–10 m (3.3–32.8 ft). The leaves are usually pinnately compound, though some species have trifoliate or simple leaves.

Is sumac spice good for you?

Sumac is rich in a variety of nutrients and antioxidant compounds. Early research suggests it may be beneficial for blood sugar control and relief of exercise-induced muscle pain. However, more research is needed. You're likely to find sumac in the spice or supplement aisle of your local grocery store.

How do you stop sumac from spreading?

Its aggressive spread can be troublesome in your backyard, but you can limit the shrub's spread with vigilance, diligence and a little herbicide.

Plant your sumac in an area with natural rock boundaries. ...
Prune off new sumac growth with clippers or loppers when it moves beyond the space you allot it in the garden.

What is sumac used for in cooking?

Sumac is a tangy, lemony spice often used in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cooking. Try using it in salads instead of lemon juice or to season grilled meat and fish. It's also delicious sprinkled over hummus.

How do you kill sumac without chemicals?

Controlling Sumac Without Chemicals

Cutting down the tree or mowing the stems is sometimes recommended as a control, but a cut sumac stem can produce many new shoots. A method for controlling sumac without chemicals that's sometimes recommended is to mow the shoots in midsummer and then again in late summer.

Does bleach kill sumac?

Follow these steps to kill poison ivy, oak or sumac with bleach: Choose a still, dry, sunny day when no rain is in the forecast for at least 24 hours. Pour the bleach into the spray bottle and screw the lid on tightly to prevent leaks. Wear an old, long-sleeved shirt and pants you don't care about.

How do you kill sumac trees naturally?

Brush a non-selective herbicide such as glyphosate, triclopyr or imazapyr onto the freshly-cut stump surface. For small sumac trees, cover the entire cut stump surface with chemical.