scarlet sumach

Also known as: smooth sumach; vinegar tree

A suckering shrub with smooth, upright shoots and leaves up to 45cm long with dark red stems and shiny, bluish-green leaflets, turning rich red in autumn. In summer bears dense, conical clusters of tiny, yellow-green flowers followed, on pollinated female plants, by spherical red berries

scarlet sumach

Scientific classification

Species: scarlet sumach (Rhus glabra)
Genus: Rhus
Family: Anacardiaceae

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Toxicity: Shrubs
Plant type: 1.5-2.5 metres
Height: 1.5-2.5 metres
Spread: Deciduous
Foliage: Bushy · Suckering
Habit: Autumn · Spring · Summer
Season of interest: Full sun
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

scarlet sumach pictures

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Distribution of scarlet sumach

Distribution map

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Culture

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Toxicity

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Quick identification of scarlet sumach

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scarlet sumach care guide

Moderate regular watering, avoid prolonged drought or waterlogging
Watering: Full sun
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

Watering

Moderate regular watering, avoid prolonged drought or waterlogging

Fertilizing

Balanced feed in spring and light repeat in growth season

Pruning

For colourful stems or large foliage, prune hard to a low framework. Let young plants establish for one to two years first. Prune in late winter or spring, before or as new growth starts.

Propagation

Propagate by seed, or semi-hardwood cuttings

Growing

Grow in moist but well-drained soil in full sun to obtain best autumn colour. Suckering growth means that it has the potential to become a nuisance if not managed well

More growing and care information →