Winged sumac (Rhus copallinum)

Overview

Rhus copallinum, also widely known as Winged sumac or dwarf sumac, is a highly assertive, tough deciduous shrub native to the Eastern United States. Its primary appeal lies in its adaptability and its dramatic seasonal interest, particularly the flame-red color that its foliage exhibits in autumn. This multi-stemmed species establishes quickly, often forming dense colonies suitable for challenging sites.

As a hardy native, Rhus copallinum provides excellent ecological benefits, especially when utilized for stabilizing slopes and managing erosion across dry, difficult terrain. It adapts well to poor, well-drained soils where many ornamental plants struggle, solidifying its role as a robust naturalizing specimen.

The structure of the Winged sumac, marked by its compound leaves featuring distinctive leafy wings on the midribs, lends it visual interest throughout the growing season before the spectacular fall display. Gardeners seeking low-maintenance coverage and habitat support should strongly consider incorporating this reliable American native.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Anacardiaceae
• Plant Type: Deciduous shrub
• Native Range: Eastern United States
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-9
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 7-15 ft
  • Spread: 10-20 ft
• Bloom Time: July to August
• Bloom Description: Greenish
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Water Needs: Dry to medium
• Maintenance Level: Medium

How to Grow

Planting Rhus copallinum is best achieved in spring or fall to allow establishment before temperature extremes. Success hinges on locating this shrub where it receives full sun to partial shade exposure, which promotes the best fall color and dense growth. It thrives in average, dry to medium soils, as one of its key assets is tolerance for dry conditions and well-drained ground; crucially, avoid areas that hold water, as poorly drained soils are detrimental to its survival.

Once established, maintenance for the Winged sumac is generally low. Routine watering is seldom necessary, particularly if the plant is situated in a naturalized setting matching its native dry habitat. Fertilization is usually unnecessary; over-fertilizing can sometimes encourage weaker growth susceptible to minor pest issues.

Pruning requirements focus primarily on management rather than aesthetics, especially when planting it in open areas. Because Rhus copallinum spreads aggressively by root suckers, gardeners must be prepared to remove unwanted suckers regularly if they wish to maintain specific boundaries. For larger areas of erosion control, allowing it to spread naturally maximizes its stabilizing benefit.

Landscape Uses

The primary recommendation for Winged sumac revolves around habitat restoration and managing difficult landscapes. It excels when massed on slopes where its fibrous root system provides superb erosion control against runoff. Use this plant in dry, informal settings where its spreading habit can be celebrated rather than contained, such as large naturalized areas or along wood margins.

Due to its vigorous suckering nature, this plant is generally unsuitable for formal foundation plantings or tight shrub borders, as it readily colonizes nearby spaces. Instead, consider placing Rhus copallinum in back acreage, screen plantings, or areas requiring tough, drought-tolerant coverage that will eventually form dense, self-sustaining colonies. It provides seasonal elegance through its foliage, flowers, and persistent fruit clusters.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Insignificant

Noteworthy Characteristics

Rhus copallinum, commonly called dwarf sumac, flameleaf sumac, winged sumac and shining sumac, is a multi-stemmed, deciduous shrub that is native to eastern North America from New York to Alabama and Florida. It is a large open shrub which typically grows to 10’ tall and spreads by root suckers to form large colonies in the wild; it differs from smooth sumac because its leaflets are untoothed and leaf midribs feature leafy ridges, giving it the name winged sumac. The compound leaves turn brilliant flame red in autumn, following the bloom of tiny, greenish-yellow flowers that produce hairy, berry-like drupes attractive to wildlife later in the season.

Tolerances

• Rabbit
• Drought
• Erosion
• Dry Soil
• Shallow-Rocky Soil
• Black Walnut

Potential Problems

Rhus copallinum is generally robust, exhibiting no serious insect or disease problems in most settings. Gardeners may occasionally observe minor susceptibility to foliar issues such as leaf spots or rusts, and sometimes soft-bodied insects like scale, aphids, or mites can be present, especially if the plant is stressed or over-fertilized. The most significant cultural challenge involves its aggressive tendency to spread via root suckers; manage this by consistent removal of unwanted shoots or by planting it only where its spreading habit is desired for groundcover or bank stabilization.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Winged sumac suitable for?

Rhus copallinum is highly adaptable, thriving across USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 9.

How large does Winged sumac grow?

This deciduous shrub typically reaches a mature height between 7 and 15 feet, spreading outward 10 to 20 feet as it forms colonies.

What sun exposure does Rhus copallinum need?

For best results, plant the Winged sumac in locations receiving full sun commitment, though it tolerates partial shade well.

When does Winged sumac bloom?

The tiny, greenish flowers of Rhus copallinum appear during the summer months, specifically from July through August.

Conclusion

The Winged sumac offers exceptional value for gardeners needing tough, low-maintenance coverage, particularly on slopes or in dry, difficult areas. Its reliable fall color and tolerance for poor soils make Rhus copallinum an indispensable native component for ecological landscaping. Before planting, ensure you have the space for the mature spread and be prepared to manage its aggressive colonization through suckering.

Wildlife Benefits

Rhus copallinum serves as a beneficial resource within the native ecosystem. While the greenish flowers blooming in summer attract generalist pollinators, the persistent fruit clusters are especially valuable. These hairy, berry-like drupes ripen in the fall and often remain on the branches through much of the winter, providing a crucial late-season food source for various birds when other resources are scarce.

Design Ideas: Naturalizing Masses

The best aesthetic outcome for Rhus copallinum is achieved when it is allowed to naturalize into large drifts or masses. Avoid using it as a singular accent plant unless you are committed to rigorous pruning of suckers. Plant it en masse across broad slopes to create a tapestry of texture that transitions dramatically into red as the temperatures cool. Consider pairing it with other hardy, dry-tolerant natives like certain species of grasses or drought-resistant evergreens to provide contrast throughout the winter months.