Rhus / Sumac
rhus / sumac
While the name of Sumac may conjure up in many peoples minds the thoughts of the poisonous undergrowth in some forests these shrub cultivars exhibit none of those characteristics, in fact, they aren't even related to that plant. Sumac are very tolerant of drought and cold making them a great candidate for the Northern landscape. Of particular popularity in this group is the Tiger Eyes Sumac that was first discovered in 1985. View our selection of Sumac choices below.
Gro-Low Fragrant Sumac
Height: 24 - 30 in
Spread: 5 - 6 ft
Foliage: Dark Green
Fall Foliage: Reddish Purple
Zone: 3 - 8
Rhus aromatica 'Gro-Low'
Excellent for mass beds and bank control, this low growing sumac has fragrant small yellow flowers in spring followed by velvety red fruit. The fall foliage is spectacular. Best when planted in full sun, plants should be cut back for best bud break.
Uses:
Mass plantings, Borders, Accent Plant, Foundation Plant, Xeriscape Plant
Staghorn Sumac
Rhus typhina
Greenish flowers in dense terminal panicles. Clusters of crimson berries in fall. Branches covered with dense velvet hair. Tolerates most soil types. This plant offers a unique tropical look while being very tolerant of our climate.
This plant CAN spread by runners but is maintainable.
Uses:
Borders, Accent Plant, Foundation Plant, Focal Point, Xeriscape Plant
Height: 8 - 10 ft
Spread: 12 - 15 ft
Foliage: Green
Fall Foliage: Yellow to Orange to Red
Zone: 3 - 6
Tiger Eyes® Cutleaf Staghorn Sumac
Height: 8 - 10 ft
Spread: 12 - 15 ft
Foliage: Green
Fall Foliage: Yellow to Orange to Red
Zone: 4 - 6
Rhus typhina 'Bailtiger'
Tiger Eyes® is a beautiful golden-leafed form of cutleaf staghorn sumac. New growth is a lively chartreuse green, quickly changing to yellow, both colors contrasting nicely with the rosy-pink leaf stems. The branches angle upward while the deeply cut leaflets drape downward, giving it a rather oriental look. As magnificent as the summer colors are, the dramatic effect of yellow, orange and intense scarlet in autumn are unparalleled.
Borders, Accent Plant, Foundation Plant, Focal Point, Xeriscape Plant
The optimum pruning time for these plants is during late winter or early spring, before new growth emerges.