The sumac group (Rhus spp.) contains a range of at least 250 different plants, which vary in their height and form, as well as whether they are a tree or shrub, and whether they are deciduous or evergreen. They also differ significantly depending on growth rate. Sumacs generally work massed as borders, hedges or screens, though species with good autumn color and appealing shapes also work as specimen trees.
Some sumacs grow quite quickly, while others grow slowly. The African sumac (Rhus lancea) is a quickly growing tree, winter hardy to U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 through 10, which can add 24 inches per season to its height. On the other hand, the fragrant sumac (Rhus aromatica) is a medium-textured shrub with a slow growth rate. Native to Southeastern Canada and the Northeastern United States, and winter hardy to USDA zones 3 through 9, this sumac gains 12 inches or less per growing season.
While many sumacs are trees, some grow as shrubs, and some can be grown as either. The African sumac, for instance, usually is a tall tree that can grow to as high as 25 feet, usually living 50 to 100 years. 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. Fragrant sumac is a shrub that grows to only 6 or 10 feet.
How you use a sumac in the garden will depend largely on its growth habit. For instance, the easily shrubbing staghorn sumac makes a good hedge, as does fragrant sumac. Flameleaf sumac (Rhus copallina), winter hardy to USDA zones 4 through 9 and is native to the Eastern United States, grows as a tree to 20 or 30 feet, and makes a good yard border on the edge of woods. These sumacs, all deciduous, also can be used for fall color. African sumac, which is evergreen, has a moderate leaf density, and so can be used as a shade tree year round.
Most sumacs are not picky, and will tolerate a range of growing conditions. They will grow in full sun to partial shade. They tolerate a range of soil types, and usually are tolerant of dry soil. Some, like the African sumac, are even highly tolerant of drought conditions. Flameleaf sumac naturally prefers moist, well-drained soil but can adapt to areas that are quite rocky. To grow informal hedges or wild colonies from shrubbing sumacs, allow plants to sucker.
- Cal Poly Urban Forest Ecosystems Institute: African Sumac
- University of Connecticut: Rhus Typhinia
- University of Connecticut: Rhus Aromatica
- University of Connecticut: Rhus Copallina
- Utah State University: Growth Rate
- Missouri Botanical Garden: Rhus Typhina
- Missouri Botanical Garden: Rhus Aromatica
- Missouri Botanical Garden: Rhus Coallinum
- Princeton University: Sumac
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