Sumac encompasses several species of deciduous shrubs and small trees in the genus Rhus, all of which share a remarkable talent for fall color and a rugged, adaptable constitution that makes them some of the toughest plants available for North American landscapes. The most commonly grown ornamental species include staghorn sumac (Rhus typhina), smooth sumac (Rhus glabra), and fragrant sumac (Rhus aromatica), with staghorn sumac and its dramatic cutleaf form (‘Laciniata’ or ‘Tiger Eyes’) being among the most popular in cultivation. Depending on the species and cultivar, sumac is hardy across a wide range, generally USDA zones 3 through 9, making it viable in nearly every part of the country. Sumac thrives in full sun and is extremely tolerant of poor, dry, rocky, or sandy soils where many other plants struggle. It doesn’t need fertile soil and actually tends to spread more aggressively when grown in rich conditions. Sumac is considered quite deer resistant, which is another point in its favor for gardens in areas with heavy deer pressure.

Staghorn sumac, the largest and boldest of the common ornamental species, can reach 15 to 25 feet tall and spread even wider through suckering, developing a picturesque, open, multi-stemmed form with thick, velvety branches that genuinely do resemble deer antlers in velvet. In early summer it produces upright clusters of small yellowish-green flowers that develop into dense, cone-shaped clusters of deep red, fuzzy fruit called drupes, which persist on the plant well into winter and provide valuable food for birds. The ‘Tiger Eyes’ cutleaf cultivar of staghorn sumac is a more compact selection, typically staying under 6 feet, with deeply dissected, ferny, chartreuse-yellow foliage that makes it one of the most visually distinctive shrubs available. Fragrant sumac is a lower-growing, spreading species that tops out around 3 to 6 feet and works beautifully as a ground cover or bank stabilizer. What unites all of these plants is their absolutely spectacular fall foliage display. Sumac consistently ranks among the best of any woody plant for autumn color, with leaves turning brilliant shades of orange, red, and scarlet that rival the most celebrated maples. If you’re looking for a tough, native, wildlife-supporting plant that earns its place in the landscape from late spring through winter, sumac deserves serious consideration.

Plant care

Sumac is genuinely one of the most low-maintenance woody plants you can grow. It’s built for tough conditions and doesn’t need much intervention to look good and perform well.

Watering

Once established, sumac is exceptionally drought tolerant and rarely needs supplemental watering except during prolonged, extreme dry spells. During the first growing season after planting, water regularly to help the root system get established. After that, you can largely leave it to fend for itself in most climates. Sumac actually does better in lean, dry conditions than in consistently moist, fertile soils, which tend to encourage more aggressive suckering.

Fertilizing

Sumac doesn’t need fertilizing and generally performs better without it. Rich soil and supplemental feeding can push excessive growth and suckering. If the plant is growing in extremely poor, compacted soil and looks genuinely stressed, a light application of a balanced fertilizer in early spring can help, but in most cases it’s best to leave it alone.

Pruning

Sumac’s natural form is part of its appeal, and heavy pruning isn’t necessary for plant health. However, you’ll likely want to manage suckering, especially with staghorn and smooth sumac, which can spread aggressively by underground runners and colonize areas well beyond where you originally planted them. Remove unwanted suckers promptly by cutting them off at ground level or, better yet, tracing them back to the root and removing them there. Selective removal of older stems can help maintain a pleasing form and encourage vigorous new growth. ‘Tiger Eyes’ and other compact cultivars sucker much less aggressively than the straight species and are far easier to manage in a typical garden setting.

Managing spread

It’s important to go in with realistic expectations about suckering, particularly with staghorn sumac and smooth sumac in the open ground. These plants spread naturally and enthusiastically and are best suited to sites where they have room to naturalize, such as slopes, meadow edges, or large naturalistic plantings. In smaller, more controlled garden settings, a compact cultivar like ‘Tiger Eyes’ is a much more practical choice.

Planting tips

Choose a site in full sun with well-drained soil. Sumac is extremely tolerant of poor conditions, so elaborate soil preparation isn’t necessary or even particularly desirable. Dig a hole about twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth, set the plant so the root flare sits at grade, backfill with the native soil, and water thoroughly. Mulching is helpful while the plant establishes, but once it’s settled in you can reduce watering and maintenance significantly. Give larger species plenty of room, accounting for both the plant’s eventual size and its tendency to produce suckers.

Landscape uses

Sumac is one of the most versatile native plants for large-scale and naturalistic landscape situations. Staghorn and smooth sumac are outstanding choices for erosion control on slopes and banks, where their spreading root systems hold soil effectively and their drought tolerance suits the typically drier conditions. They’re excellent for naturalizing at woodland edges, in meadow plantings, and along roadsides, where they can spread freely without causing problems. ‘Tiger Eyes’ sumac has become a fixture in mixed borders and residential landscapes, where its ferny, golden foliage provides season-long color interest and its manageable size makes it much easier to work with than the straight species. Fragrant sumac is an excellent low-maintenance ground cover for sunny, dry slopes and banks. In any form, sumac’s persistent red fruit clusters add significant winter interest and wildlife value to the landscape.

Native plant and ecological value

All of the major ornamental sumac species are native to North America, and they play a meaningful role in supporting wildlife. The dense clusters of red fruit persist through fall and winter and are eaten by dozens of bird species, including robins, bluebirds, wild turkeys, and ruffed grouse. The flowers attract native bees and other pollinators. Sumac also serves as a larval host plant for several moth and butterfly species. For gardeners interested in supporting native ecosystems, sumac is one of the highest-value plants you can include.

Edibility and other uses

Sumac has a long history of human use in North America. The tart, red fruit clusters of staghorn and smooth sumac can be steeped in cold water to make a refreshing, lemonade-like drink sometimes called sumac-ade or sumac lemonade. The dried and ground berries of certain sumac species, particularly the Mediterranean Rhus coriaria, are a staple spice in Middle Eastern cooking, prized for their fruity, lemony tartness. North American sumac species can be used similarly, though they’re less commonly processed as a culinary spice here. It’s worth noting that sumac should not be confused with poison sumac (Toxicodendron vernix), which is an unrelated plant that causes severe skin irritation. Poison sumac grows exclusively in wet, swampy areas and has white or grayish berries rather than the red clusters of ornamental sumac species.

Fall color

Sumac’s fall display is genuinely exceptional and worth emphasizing on its own. In good years and in the right conditions, staghorn sumac can rival or exceed the color intensity of the best red maples, with leaves turning a blazing, luminous scarlet that seems almost lit from within. The combination of vivid red foliage and dark red fruit clusters in fall is one of the most dramatic effects available from any native plant. Fall color typically peaks in September and October depending on location and weather conditions.

FAQ

Is sumac invasive? The straight species of staghorn sumac and smooth sumac spread aggressively by suckering and can colonize large areas over time. They’re best suited to naturalistic settings where spreading is acceptable. Named cultivars like ‘Tiger Eyes’ are much better behaved and appropriate for typical garden settings.

Is sumac related to poison ivy or poison sumac? Ornamental sumac species in the Rhus genus are related to but distinct from poison sumac (Toxicodendron vernix) and poison ivy. Ornamental sumacs are safe to handle and are not considered toxic to the touch. The key visual difference is that ornamental sumacs have upright red fruit clusters, while poison sumac has drooping clusters of white or grayish berries and is found in wet, swampy habitats.

When does sumac show its best fall color? Fall color typically peaks in September and October, depending on your climate and zone. Cool nights and warm days tend to intensify the color display.

How do I control sumac suckering? Remove unwanted suckers promptly, either cutting them at ground level or tracing them back to the root. Mowing around the edges of a planting can help contain spread. For garden settings where suckering is a real concern, choose a compact, less aggressive cultivar like ‘Tiger Eyes’.

What’s ‘Tiger Eyes’ sumac? ‘Tiger Eyes’ is a compact cultivar of cutleaf staghorn sumac (Rhus typhina ‘Bailtiger’) that stays under 6 feet tall and features deeply dissected, ferny foliage in a striking chartreuse yellow. It’s much less aggressive than the straight species and is one of the most popular ornamental shrubs for residential landscapes.

Is sumac drought tolerant? Yes, once established it’s exceptionally drought tolerant and thrives in dry, poor soils where many other plants struggle. It’s one of the better choices for difficult, dry sites.

Does sumac have wildlife value? It has outstanding wildlife value. The persistent red fruit clusters feed dozens of bird species through fall and winter, the flowers support native pollinators, and the plant serves as a larval host for several moth and butterfly species.

Can you eat sumac berries? The red fruit clusters of staghorn and smooth sumac can be steeped in cold water to make a tart, refreshing drink. The berries of certain sumac species are also used as a culinary spice. Don’t confuse ornamental sumac with poison sumac, which has white or gray berries and grows in wet habitats.

How much sun does sumac need? Sumac performs best in full sun and tends to produce the most vivid fall color and the best fruit production with maximum light exposure. It can tolerate some light shade but isn’t at its best in low-light conditions.

Is sumac a tree or a shrub? It depends on the species. Staghorn sumac can grow large enough to be considered a small tree, reaching 15 to 25 feet in ideal conditions, while fragrant sumac and compact cultivars like ‘Tiger Eyes’ are clearly shrub-scale plants. In practice, most sumacs in garden settings are managed and referred to as shrubs.