Common Name: Winged Sumac
Specific Name: Rhus copallinum
Known Occurrence at Taylor Point:
Map Areas: Cliffs 2H
Category: Native, Shrub
Ecological Considerations:
Rhus copallinum, commonly known as Winged sumac, is a native, deciduous, colony-forming large shrub (a woody plant with several stems growing from the base) that rarely exceeds 10 feet. It has alternate, compound leaves, 16-24 inches long, with a winged leafstalk. The leaflets are narrowed or rounded at the base and sharply pointed at the tip with finely serrated margins. The leaflets are dark green and smooth above, and pale beneath, except along the midrib.
Compact clusters of greenish-yellow flowers bloom from July to September. Fruits mature later in the fall. The fruiting head is a compact cluster of round, red, hairy fruits called drupes. Each drupe measures 1⁄4 inch in diameter and contains one seed. Each cluster of drupes may contain 100 to 700 seeds. Fruit is produced on plants 3 to 4 years old. Because most populations of sumac have male and female flowers on separate plants (dioecious), only the female plants produce seed. Occasionally, plants are found which have both male and female flowers. The germination of sumac seeds is enhanced by their passage through the digestive system of rabbits, ring-necked pheasants, and quail. The presence of fire also encourages increased germination. There are about 60,000 seeds per pound.
Map areas where this plant can be used for revegetation:
Upper Beach – 1C
Successional Field – 2D
Black cherry woodland – 3C
Propagation Mechanisms/Strategies for Encouraging its Establishment:
Sumacs fail to compete with invading tree species and are seldom found growing under a closed canopy.
Best Planting Practices/Options and Pros and Cons of Options:
Sumacs are tolerant of slightly acid soil conditions and textures ranging from coarse to fine. Typical growing sites include open fields and roadsides. Sumacs are not highly shade tolerate and are considered early successional species.
Key Issues Regarding its Ecology:
Associated Ecological Benefits:
Sumac serves primarily as a winter emergency food for wildlife.
Availability of Locally Sourced Seeds and Plants:
Roots & Shoots Garden Center Roots and Shoots
Case Studies of Native Plant Establishment Efforts/Lessons Learned:
Additional Photos:
Sources cited:
URI Native Plants
USDA
Go Botany
Key Words:
Native
Shrub
Winged Sumac
Rhus copallinum
dioecious
colony-forming
drupe
Taylor Point Cliffs
2H